A man police say may have been behind the wheel of a car a Gardiner police officer was pursuing before the cruiser crashed, was later found deceased after what police believe was a self-inflicted shooting in Richmond.

Richmond Police declined to discuss details of the incident or release the identity of the male involved Monday because the incident is still under investigation. However Sgt. Chris Giles confirmed that Richmond Police did locate the suspect Gardiner police had sought earlier.

Richmond Police Chief James Donnell confirmed that there was a self-inflicted shooting and death. Police dispatch records indicate there was a report of a “dead body” on Weeks Road at 7:49 p.m. Friday, which is the same road where Gardiner police had responded to try to stop a reportedly speeding vehicle earlier Friday evening.

Gardiner Police Chief James Toman said Gardiner Officer Allen Alexander was trying to catch up to a vehicle that had been reported speeding when his cruiser went off Weeks Road and struck a tree, damaging the cruiser and injuring Alexander.

Alexander was transported to MaineGeneral in Augusta by Gardiner Rescue after mentioning that he was in pain.

Alexander is expected to make a full recovery and was released from the hospital Friday at 9:45 p.m.