A 33-year-old suspect, wanted on outstanding domestic violence related warrants, died this morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his Hays Ridge Lane home as MNPD SWAT officers began making announcements for him to exit.
The suspect, Kevin Wells, was named overnight in arrest warrants charging him with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, domestic assault and being a felon in possession of a weapon after the mother of his two children went to the hospital for the second time in 48 hours with severe facial injuries. The victim reported that Wells struck her several times over the last two days, which resulted in lacerations to her head.
Last night the victim returned to the hospital, this time with a broken orbital socket.
As warrants were being obtained against Wells, it was learned that he was with their two young children inside the home and was threatening to harm them if the victim called police.
SWAT officers responded in an attempt to serve Wells with the four outstanding warrants. Wells approached the window after hearing the announcements outside for him to exit and put his finger up motioning to officers that he needed a moment. Within seconds a shot was heard, and officers quickly entered the home to ensure the children inside were safe.
Both children, ages 1 and 3, were unharmed and were removed from the home.
Wells was located in the second story hallway with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.
If you are experiencing domestic violence and need resources, please call the Family Safety Center to speak to an advocate at 615-880-1100 or contact the YWCA 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-334-4628.