Roanoke County police say man shot himself after being approached by officer Monday night

Roanoke County police say a man apparently shot himself Monday night after he was approached by a county police officer in a county park.

A spokesman says the officer was conducting a routine patrol Monday night, when he approached a pickup truck parked near the soccer fields in Vinyard Park.

Police say a man in the truck pointed a gun at the officer and told him to go away.

The officer retreated and ordered the man to put down the gun, then heard a single gunshot.

The man was later found dead. Police believe he shot himself.

The officer did not fire his weapon, and no one else was injured.

Roanoke County Police say the man was 50-years-old, but they have not released his name.

Here is the news release from Roanoke County Police:

At 9:30 p.m. Monday, Roanoke County Police were conducting a routine security check at Vinyard Park and came across two vehicles in the parking lot. The officer spoke to the two males in the first vehicle and moved on to the second vehicle, a pickup truck parked about 40-feet away. The officer observed a male inside the truck holding a handgun. The male pointed the handgun at the officer and told him to go away. The officer retreated to cover behind the first vehicle and told the two males to seek shelter. The officer ordered the male in the truck to drop his gun. Subsequently, a gunshot was fired inside the truck and the male was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The male was a 50-year old resident of Roanoke. The officer did not fire any weapons and no one else was hurt. Police continue to investigate.

ORIGINAL STORY

WDBJ7 is following a developing situation in Vinton.

Authorities have confirmed a death investigation is underway.

Around 9:30 p.m. Monday night officers did a security check of two cars in the Vinyard Park area.

A single gunshot came from a person inside the car, according to police.

The death does not appear to be suspicious.

Stay with WDBJ7 for updates.