TONASKET – A Tonasket Police pursuit on Tuesday, March 15 ended in what police believe was a suicide south of Tonasket in front of Midway Building Supplies.

According to the police report, Tonasket Police Officer Janet Storey received a report of a suspicious male who was in a local parking lot sitting in a blue Cadillac on March 15. The report stated the unknown male was sitting on the driver’s side while holding a handgun at his side.

“Storey located the vehicle traveling south on Highway 97 near Whistler’s Family Restaurant and initiated a stop to make contact,” Tonasket Police Chief Robert Burks said. “Before Storey could make contact with the driver, the vehicle took off south on Highway 97. Storey returned to her vehicle and followed in pursuit.”

The pursuit continued south to the Tonasket Rodeo Grounds turn onto State Frontage Road, when the Cadillac crossed over the midline of the highway, drove through the dirt medium and continued south on State Frontage Road.

“The vehicle then took out several lengths of chain link fence at Midway Building Supplies then hit head on into a stack of two by fours,” Burks said.

At this point, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office dispatch toned out for fire and ambulance to respond to the scene.

“Once the vehicle was approached, it was discovered the driver was deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” Burks said.

The driver was identified as Kristopher W. Anderson, 25, of Tonasket.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident along with assistance from the Washington State Patrol since a Tonasket Police Department officer was involved.