Alan Larimore, 52, Westville, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading sheriff’s deputies on a chase in the Brookville area Saturday, July 25.

The incident began at about 3:15 a.m. when a vehicle was reported stolen from Johnson Fork Road. As Deputy Brad Lecher was responding, he received another call about a second stolen vehicle. While investigating that case, the deputy discovered that a third vehicle, a silver 2004 Ford Ranger, had been taken.

Indiana State Police Lt. Steve Comer, the Connersville District commander, said Monday authorities learned later Larimore had stolen all three. He abandoned the first one when the gas gauge didn’t work and the second because it was almost out of gas.

“He had a history of vehicle theft,” Comer reported. There was a Boone County warrant for Larimore for failure to appear, carrying a handgun without a license and auto theft. He also had parole violations for receiving stolen property and vehicle theft.

Deputies put out a dispatch to attempt to locate the Ranger while continuing to investigate the previous thefts, according to a Franklin County Sheriff’s Department news release.

Brookville reserve police officer Jerry Noah said he had seen the truck pull into the McDonald’s drive-thru. He continued watching while waiting for backup. Deputy Adam Henson attempted to stop the Ranger at the intersection of 6th and Main streets, but the driver refused.

A pursuit on U.S. 52 east to Cedar Grove continued as the suspect drove through a yard, then proceeded west on the highway.

At around 5 a.m., Union County Deputies Derek Walton, Billy Amyx and Mike Strait assisted by deploying stop sticks at the intersection of U.S. 52 and State Road 1. Although the Ranger’s right rear tire struck one, the truck continued west on 52, turning north on Richland Creek and Holland roads.

Larimore turned west onto Oxford Pike. When the truck stopped momentarily, Henson observed that he had a weapon pointed at his own head.

The suspect began moving again until he approached two more deputies traveling toward him.

Henson saw Larimore fire one shot to his head. Henson and Chief Deputy John Roberts found the weapon in his hand. After the gun was secured, they noticed the man had a pulse and labored breathing. Larimore was transported by Brookville EMS 2 to Fayette Memorial Hospital, Connersville, where he was pronounced dead by the Fayette County coroner.

Indiana State Police Detective Sgt. Rick Shoemaker and crime scene investigator Bill Hutton were called to investigate and process the scene. Also assisting during the chase were Brookville officer Ben Cummins and Rescue 24.