Accused Police Chief Kills Self

Little Rock Police Chief Jess F. Hale, suspended after his arrest on theft charges, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head today, officials said. Police said a family member found Hale in the laundry room of his home.

Hale, of Cabot, was suspended as chief pending the outcome of his trial on a charge of theft of less than $200 from a cash register in a Little Rock drugstore. He was arrested March 10 outside the store.