A Blountstown man shot himself in front of deputies just before noon Tuesday morning following a brief standoff.
According to Calhoun County Sheriff David Tatum, authorities learned Randall Pitts, 51, allegedly battered his wife Tuesday morning, then fled in her car with her keys and cell phone. While calling and speaking with him several times to get him to surrender, Pitts reportedly indicated he would harm himself. He was located in the Ocheesee area and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
Pitts crossed over the Jackson County line and wound up on Boneyard Road with authorities from both Calhoun and Jackson surrounding him.
“He could see the road was about to be blocked,” says Sheriff Tatum. “After a few minutes, he shot himself.”
Sheriff Tatum says Pitts put the gun under his chin and the bullet apparently entered his jawbone, then exited. He survived the gunshot wound, but was airlifted to an area hospital.
