Man Threatens Officer, Shoots Self, Police Say

A 59-year-old Woodland Hills man who pulled a gun on a California Highway Patrol officer Monday near Malibu Lake was in critical condition after he shot himself in the chest, officials said.

About 4:15 p.m., the CHP officer, who was not identified, observed the man, Sam Wilson, with a gun on a hill off Mulholland Highway just east of Stokes Canyon Road, said Lt. Clarence Chapman of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. When the officer climbed about 100 yards up the hill, Wilson pointed a .38-caliber gun at the officer’s chest, Chapman said.

Wilson, who has a history of mental illness and was despondent because he is unemployed, did not fire as the officer turned and scurried down the hill, Chapman said.

Sherriff’s deputies sealed off the area and tried to talk Wilson into surrendering. But, after about 45 minutes, Wilson lifted up his shirt and shot himself once in the chest, Chapman said.

Then Wilson put his hands in the air and walked down the hill, Chapman said.

Wilson was taken to Westlake Community Hospital and was undergoing surgery late Monday night, a hospital spokeswoman said. When he recovers, Wilson will be arrested on suspicion of assaulting a peace officer, Chapman said.