A man shot himself in the head in a rural corn field Sunday evening after leading Ceres Police on a chase that began in Ceres and went out into the country near Grayson.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The incident began at approximately 11:39 p.m., when Office Pinon attempted to stop a black Ford Mustang for driving at a high rate of speed and other vehicle code violations. The driver failed to yield to emergency lights and siren and continued westbound on Hatch Road near Stonum Road. This driver led Ceres Police in a pursuit on city streets and into the county at speeds up to over 100 mph.

The driver eventually ran off the road into a corn field on Shiloh Road and ran into the corn field as officer, along with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputies, set up a perimeter. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department helicopter, which was used during the pursuit, was able to guide officers to an area where the suspect was. When they checked the area they located a Hispanic man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun was located near the body.

No officer on scene discharged their firearm.

Officers attempted unsuccessful life saving measures. 

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Matthew Berlier at 538-5616.