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NJ Man Kills Self With Police Nearby

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) -- A 53-year-old motorist who had just passed a roadside sobriety test shot and killed himself Thursday night as police officers stood nearby.

Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said the man, whose identity was not released, struck a utility pole at an intersection around 8:30 p.m. Police responded and conducted a sobriety test, which the man passed.

While waiting for a tow truck to arrive, Mastronardy said the man asked to retrieve some belongings from his car. Officers allowed it, and then heard a shot.

Mastronardy said the man was calm and cooperative and gave no indication that something was wrong.

The man was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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