Man, 77, shot himself to death during Fort Worth police vehicle stop: authorities
As he was nearing arrest on a warrant connected to his failure to appear in court in an assault case, a 77-year-old man in a vehicle on Wednesday shot himself to death near downtown Fort Worth, police said.
Authorities accused Melvin Pardue of using his arm to squeeze the neck of a relative in Colleyville in September 2024. A warrant was issued for Pardue the next month, according to Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office records.
Fort Worth Police Department officers went about 4 p.m. Wednesday to the 3300 block of East Belknap Street to help a private investigator who was attempting to arrest Pardue.
Officers stopped the vehicle, and Pardue shot himself inside, the police department said.
Pardue’s death by suicide was caused by a gunshot wound of the torso, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. He died in a residence driveway.
Under standard procedure, the police department’s major case and internal affairs units are investigating Pardue’s death.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, there is help available. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
