A Jacksonville officer died at the police station Friday afternoon after suffering a self-inflicted wound from his department-issued weapon, authorities said.
Jason Tilley, an 18-year veteran of the Jacksonville Police Department who worked in the detective division, died just after 2 p.m. Friday, according to a news release from the department.
Administrators at the Police Department had been aware of Tilley’s ongoing personal issues since May, the release said, adding that he had been seeking therapy. The command staff was in constant communication with Tilley about his well-being, according to the news release.
Jacksonville Police Chief John Franklin said the shooting happened on the property of the Police Department and involved the use of Tilley’s service weapon, but it posed no danger to the public.
“We are completely devastated and greatly saddened by the turn of events,” department spokesman April Kiser said in a news release. “We ask the community to join us in prayers for Jason Tilley’s wife, daughter, family and friends.”
Franklin said the Pulaski County sheriff’s office would investigate Tilley’s death.