A traffic stop in Montgomery County just north of Fillmore turned tragic today when a Deputy Sheriff was attempting to make contact with a driver identified as 57 year old Tim Hopwood.
During the stop Hopwood refused to exit the vehicle. While the Deputy was attempting to gain Hopwood’s compliance Hopwood pulled a handgun and shot himself. There was a witness on scene that also saw the incident.
The Deputy was injured while breaking a window in the vehicle in an attempt to extricate Hopwood and begin life saving measures. Hopwood was pronounced dead at the scene by Montgomery County Coroner.
The Deputy was transported to Hillsboro Area Hospital where he was treated and released.
Statements and evidence obtained during the investigation indicated Hopwood’s death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.