Update: Man dies from self-inflicted gun shot after police chase in Seekonk

April 13, 2020 4:40 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- A 38-year-old East Providence man died Saturday as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Massachusetts Thursday, according to a statement from Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III.

According to Quinn, a witness had observed Derek Belanger of East Providence brandish a firearm in a Swansea Cumberland Farms, telling bystanders that they should call 911.

Massachusetts State Police had previously identified Belanger as a resident of Seekonk.

Swansea police issued a description of the the suspect’s car, which was spotted by a Massachusetts state trooper and pursued along with officers from Swansea and Seekonk.

A chase continued through Rehoboth before Belanger stopped his car near Seekonk Speedway on Route 6.

After ignoring the trooper’s request to exit the vehicle, police observed Belanger display a firearm. While attempting to gain cover, police heard a single shot from the automobile.

Belanger was found unconscious in his vehicle, with a handgun in his right hand. He was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries Saturday.

According to the statement from Quinn, the incident remains under investigation.