Man shoots himself at church

Monitor Editor

STARKE— Starke police said they encountered a man at Madison Street Baptist Church on Saturday who took his own life.

Lt. Michael Rooney said five police officers and three deputies responded to a call of an armed individual at the church.

“We made contact with the individual, who was armed with a pistol,” said Rooney.  “At all times, he kept the pistol pointed at himself.”

Rooney said after a short time, the man shot himself.

“Officers attempted lifesaving efforts and (EMS) transported him to a hospital, where the individual was pronounced dead,” Rooney said.

The lieutenant added that details of the incident, including a timeline, are still being investigated.