Friday, September 28, 2012

Update: Condition unknown of carjacking suspect shown shooting himself on live TV - @ondeadline

An Arizona carjacking suspect shot himself in the head as Fox News broadcast the end of a police chase west of Phoenix. Fox anchor Shep Smith apologized, saying, "We really messed up."

Update at 3:38 p.m. ET: Fox News anchor Shep Smith apologized for airing the shocking sight, saying, "We really messed up."

"That didn't belong on TV. I personally apologize to you that that happened. That will not happen again on my watch, and I am sorry."

According to an account by Mediabistro, viewers could hear the studio crew members gasp and Smith say, "Get off, get off, get off," asking the control room to cut away.

After jumping out of the car, the suspect ran down a dirt road, put the gun to his head, then slumped to the ground.

Police have not identified the man or confirmed that he is dead.

Original post: An Arizona carjacking suspect shot himself in the head on live TV after a police chase near Phoenix, according to Fox News.

His condition is not known.

The suspect fired shots at pursuing officers along westbound Interstate 10. After exiting he drove along dirt road in the town of Salome, Fox reports.

Fox anchor Shep Smith was narrating the chase when the suspect shot himself. He shouted, "Get off it!" and cut to a commercial.

The suspect stole a red Dodge Caliber in Phoenix and led police on a high-speed chase that lasted about an hour.