A man wanted on out-of-state warrants for child pornography possession died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound this morning, according to an Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office spokesperson.
Richard Allen Garretson, 45, of Huntington, West Virginia, was found wounded inside the Holiday Inn Express, 125 Cracker Barrel Road, and pronounced dead a short time later by EMS personnel.
U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force members, including OCSO deputies, arrived at the hotel early Wednesday morning to take him into custody.
The suspect, considered armed and dangerous, was believed to be hiding out in a room there. Task Force members knocked on his door shortly before 2 a.m. and announced their presence.
As they were attempting to enter the room, they heard a single gunshot.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.
Garrettson was wanted by the West Virginia State Police Child Protection Unit on five counts of possession of child pornography.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Child pornography suspect takes life in Crestview hotel, lawmen say