Police release details of pursuit that ended in man's suicide

Police officers process the scene of the suicide of a man in a vacant field in the Sun City community on March 19. (File photo)

The Menifee Police Department today released details about a March 19 incident in which a man shot himself to death when confronted by officers and Sheriff's deputies. Information had been limited the last two weeks during an investigation involving Menifee PD and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The deceased was identified today as William Franks, 52, of Beaumont. According to the news release, Franks died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the back of a vacant lot at the southwest corner of Cherry Hills Boulevard and Bradley Road when approached by police. No other shots were fired, according to the investigation.

Following is the news release giving details of an hours-long pursuit of Franks on that day two weeks ago:

MENIFEE -- At approximately 12:15 p.m. on March 19, Menifee Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop near Newport Road and Bradley Road on a vehicle that was listed as a “felony wanted, armed and dangerous” vehicle. The registered owner was wanted for felony child endangerment involving a firearm out of Riverside County, as well as brandishing a firearm in the presence of a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy and felony evasion out of San Bernardino County.

Upon contact with the driver, officers discovered the wanted suspect was not in the vehicle. The wanted suspect was identified as 52-year-old William Franks. After questioning the driver, MPD officers discovered the potential location of Franks.

At approximately 1 p.m., MPD officers responded to the area of McLaughlin Road and Evans Road in an attempt to locate Franks. MPD Officers observed Franks driving a Chevy truck and attempted a vehicle stop. Franks did not stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

Due to Franks’ erratic driving, MPD officers lost sight of Franks near Case Road and Mapes Road in the City of Perris. MPD officers began to search the surrounding area for Franks and the Chevy truck. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter responded to assist with the search, along with several RSO deputies.

San Bernardino Sheriff’s deputies discovered Menifee PD was in pursuit of Franks and also responded to assist with the search. This is common for a nearby allied agency to respond to assist with the apprehension of a dangerous suspect wanted out of their jurisdiction as well.

Upon their arrival, SBSO advised MPD officers they attempted to arrest Franks in San Bernardino County the night prior for the felony charges out of Riverside County. During that encounter, Franks threatened suicide with a gun in the presence of their deputies. While trying to safely take Franks into custody, Franks fled in his vehicle. A vehicle pursuit was initiated, but Franks was able to escape.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., MPD officers were in communication with Franks’ family members. The family members advised they spoke to Franks, who told them he was at the Perris Home Depot off Ethanac Road, had a gun, and was threatening suicide. MPD Officers, RSO deputies, and SBSO deputies responded to the Home Depot to search for Franks.

At approximately 2:50 p.m., MPD officers obtained information from Franks’ family members that he was now near the Stater Bros. market in the Sun City area of Menifee. MPD officers and SBSO deputies responded to the area of the Stater Bros. market. RSO deputies and other MPD officers stayed at the Home Depot until they were able to confirm Franks was not there.

At approximately 4:20 p.m., SBSO deputies observed Franks walking through the parking lot behind the Stater Bros. market. They then observed Franks walk across Cherry Hills Boulevard and into the field at the corner of Cherry Hills and Bradley Road. As SBSO deputies went to contact Franks to take him into custody, Franks produced a handgun and shot himself in the upper body.

SBSO immediately began rendering medical aid to Franks, which included CPR. Cal Fire arrived on scene within minutes. Unfortunately, Franks succumbed to his self-inflicted gunshot wound.

MPD detectives and a Crime Scene Investigator responded to the scene to assume the death investigation. A thorough investigation revealed Franks died from a single self- inflicted gunshot wound and that there were no other shots fired.

MPD would like to thank the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance during this very dangerous and rapidly evolving incident.

On behalf of Chief Pat Walsh, MPD would like to extend our deepest condolences to Franks’ family and friends.