SWAT standoff ends at east Charlotte pawn shop

CHARLOTTE — The suspect in an hourslong standoff Monday outside an east Charlotte pawn shop has died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, said the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The standoff at the corner of Albemarle Road and W.T. Harris Boulevard ended at about 5:30 p.m. No officers fired their weapons.

SWAT officers were called to the area around 11 a.m. and Albemarle Road was soon shut down at the intersection.

Police said the suspect, who had warrants, including assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, refused to drop his gun and was against a wall outside the building.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene and saw a CMPD BearCat blocking the entrance to a building with a pawn shop off W.T. Harris Boulevard.

At 4:15 p.m., negotiations were continuing with the armed suspect.

“Our officers are working toward a peaceful resolution,” CMPD stated. “Please continue to avoid the area as roads are still closed.”

Reporter Genevieve Curtis was at the scene and said at about 5:30 p.m. there was a series of flashbangs. Curtis said a man on a stretcher was put in an ambulance.

The flashbangs were deployed to distract the suspect after he set his weapon on the ground. He grabbed the gun again and shot himself before officers could get to him, police said.

CMPD announced the standoff was over and the suspect was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

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SWAT situation at east Charlotte pawn shop

He died at the hospital due to his injuries.

By 6 p.m., all lanes on Albemarle Road were reopened.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials said they had to reroute buses due to the police standoff.

This is a developing story, check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH: Police search for thieves who stole 29 guns from east Charlotte pawn shop)

Police search for thieves who stole 29 guns from east Charlotte pawn shop

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