Homewood theft suspect takes own life during arrest attempt

A 69-year-old theft suspect appears to have taken her own life this morning in Homewood when deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant.

The deputies arrived at an address on Snow Drive around 10 a.m. Friday to serve a felony warrant for first degree theft, JCSO Chief Deputy Randy Christian said. After becoming aware of the deputies, the woman died by a gunshot that appeared to be self-inflicted, Christian said.

He said the Homewood Police Department is conducting a death investigation, and the woman's identity will be released when the family has been notified. The Homewood Star has reached out to Homewood Police Department for additional information.

Christian described the event via email as "very sad and tragic" and said counseling will be available for JCSO employees who were involved, as part of their protocol for cases that could be traumatic.