BIG STONE GAP, Va. — A man wanted on sexual assault charges in Ohio killed himself after being stopped following a chase, police say.

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to an alert from Scioto County, Ohio, that Kenneth Phillips, 47, who was wanted in connection with a sexual assault investigation, was believed to be traveling US 23 in Wise County. The alert further said Phillips was believed to have multiple firearms and was believed to be suicidal.

Police found Phillips’ car traveling south on US 23 early Tuesday morning and attempted to pull him over. They say he chose to flee instead. The chase came to an end after officers used spike strips to disable Phillips’ car near the entrance to Mountain Empire Community College.

Once the car came to a stop, officers heard a gunshot. Phillips was then found dead in the car, apparently of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun was found in the car, between Phillips’ leg and the seat.

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Norton, Wise and Big Stone Gap police departments.