Fleeing suspect shoots self, crashes into UAB building as officers close in, Homewood police say

A man is in critical condition after police say he shot himself during a police chase Monday afternoon.

The incident happened shortly after 2 p.m.

Homewood police Sgt. John Carr said investigators with the department’s Special Operations Unit had the SUV under surveillance for most of the day for possible drug activity.

They attempted to stop the vehicle at 2:05 p.m. and the driver refused to stop.. The attempted stop took place on Green Springs Highway.

The female passenger inside the SUV told police that as they approached the intersection of Sixth Avenue South and Eighth Street South on UAB’s campus, the driver pulled a gun and shot himself.

The SUV continued a short distance and then crashed into UAB’s 801 Building.

He was taken to UAB Hospital in critical condition. His name has not been released, but Carr said he has an extensive criminal history.

The witness was taken into custody for questioning.

Homewood police, as well as Birmingham police and UAB police, responded to the scene.

This story will be updated if more information becomes available.