Man Shoots Self in Head During Clash With Police

A 19-year-old man shot himself in the head Friday, apparently by accident, during a struggle over a gun with two South Pasadena police officers, authorities said.

The man, whom police described as a gang member, was shot after officers rousted him from a garage where he was sleeping. He was in extremely critical condition at a hospital late Friday. His identity was not immediately released, but police said he has an extensive criminal record.

Police responding to a call from a resident who reported a vagrant sleeping in his garage in the 1400 block of Oneonta Knoll Street confronted the man about 8 a.m. When they prepared to search him, he reached for his handgun and the struggle ensued, said Sheriff’s Sgt. Stuart Reed.

“He shot himself in the head. It was his weapon,� Reed said. If the suspect survives, Reed said, he is likely to be charged with assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon.