CMPD officer dies by suicide in west Charlotte, department says

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer died by suicide Monday afternoon, the department said.

Around 12:30 p.m., CMPD said they were investigating an officer-involved shooting on Steele Creek Road. The area is near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

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About an hour later, around 1:45 p.m., police said one of their officers had shot himself and was taken to the hospital, where he died.

CMPD K-9 Officer Brent Simpson passed away today from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officer Simpson was a graduate of the 148th Recruit Class and served with CMPD since 2006. Most recently, Officer Simpson was assigned to the K-9 unit and faithfully served alongside his K-9… pic.twitter.com/PtnRNk03k7
— CMPD News (@CMPD) July 1, 2024

CMPD said there is no danger to the public at this time.

Several Channel 9 viewers reported seeing a massive police response to the scene.

Huge police presence on Steele Creek Rd. near West Blvd. in Charlotte @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/wD1t8ZYQ1w
— Talmadge J. (@only1talmadge) July 1, 2024

If you or someone you know is thinking of harming themselves, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free support via the Lifeline by dialing 988. For more about risk factors and warning signs, visit the organization’s official website.

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