Handcuffed Man in Back Seat of Squad Car Obtains Gun, Kills Himself

A man handcuffed and sitting in the back of a Spotsylvania County (VA) Sheriff's Office squad car reportedly was able to get his hands in front of him, obtain a gun from a "restricted area" of the vehicle, and shoot himself in the head, leaving him with a wound that would ultimately kill him.

The man’s mother, Linda Richardson, accused the Sheriff’s Office of negligence, saying: "This did not have to happen."

Deputies were standing near the squad car—discussing their next course of action—when the man shot himself.

According to Fredricksburg.com , the man was distraught and suicidal because he and his girlfriend had just broken up.

An investigation remains ongoing.