In a sad situation, a 46-year-old man who was reported missing by his family ended up taking his own life after being found by Union City police.
He had been sending his family some very upsetting messages and photos, which made them contact the police for help.
What began as a search to find a missing person turned into a much more tragic event, leaving the whole community shocked and heartbroken.
Here’s what happened and what we know so far.
- The man’s family contacted the police after receiving disturbing messages and photos, worried about his safety.
- Police found the man in his car, but he tragically shot himself when they approached him.
- Union City Police, led by Detective Michael Bedford, are investigating the case. No officers fired their weapons during the incident.
Family’s Concerns Sparked Urgent Search
On Saturday, August 24, a 46-year-old man was reported missing by his family, who had received unsettling messages and photos from him that raised concerns about his well-being.
Described as a white male, the man had made troubling statements to his family, leading them to seek help from the Union City Police Department.
The case, which started as a missing person report, tragically unfolded in an unexpected and heartbreaking way.
Police were dispatched at 5:21 p.m. and began working closely with the man’s family to search the area. During the search, they learned he might be near Mission Boulevard and F Street.
Police Locate Missing Man, Leading to Tragic Suicide
Soon after the search began, police found the missing man inside a parked vehicle.
When officers approached the car and began giving him instructions, things quickly took a tragic turn.
The man exited the vehicle, holding a firearm, and shot himself.
Officers on the scene immediately provided medical attention to the man in an attempt to save his life.
He was then transported to a local hospital with severe injuries, but unfortunately, the situation remained critical.
Detective Bedford Leads the Investigation
In the wake of the incident, Union City Police confirmed that none of the officers discharged their firearms during the event.
Detective Michael Bedford is now thoroughly investigating the case.
The investigation aims to uncover the full details of what led to the man’s disappearance, the concerning messages sent to his family, and the tragic outcome.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Detective Bedford at (510) 675-5266 or via email at michaelb@unioncity.org.
The police are seeking additional details to help piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident.
Community Grieves as Investigation Continues
By 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, police activity at the scene had wrapped up, and the surrounding area returned to normal.
Of course, the tragic event has left the community shaken, bringing attention to the urgent need for mental health support and intervention when people show signs of distress.
For anyone experiencing emotional distress or contemplating self-harm, remember there is always support available.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other resources are available to provide support during difficult times.
