Suspect Killed Self, Authorities Say

A Stanton man who died during a gun battle with Westminster police last week was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said Monday.

Westminster police officers shot Dai Tran Nguyen, 37, once in the leg but he died from a gunshot to his head, said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“He was hit by the officer, but it was a nonfatal wound,” Amormino said. “The fatal wound came from [Nguyen’s] gun.”

Coroner’s officials completed an autopsy and ballistic exams but are awaiting results of toxicology tests.

During a Sept. 11 chase, Nguyen, who had an outstanding arrest warrant, led police to his home, fired at officers and jumped over a wall and into an alley. An investigation is continuing, police said.