Man dies after DeKalb County police chase. GBI now handling death investigation

A man died following a foot chase with DeKalb County police.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the man died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The agency is also investigating the officer’s use of a Taser during the chase.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Agents said DeKalb County police got a report at about 4:51 a.m. Sunday about an armed carjacking in Stone Mountain. A DeKalb officer went to the area of Lancashire Circle and found a car that matched the description, the GBI said.

When the officer walked up to the car, police said Vermontay Burch got out and ran. The officer chased Burch on foot into an apartment complex near the 400 building of Eagle Springs Way.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 2 DeKalb County police officers, suspect shot during domestic call
• Fire spreads between 2 homes, neighbors knock on doors to wake up owners
• Deputy arrested on DUI charge, no longer employed

During the chase, the officer used a Taser and hit Burch, the GBI said.

Right after that, the officer heard a gunshot and found Burch on the ground. The GBI described it as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Medical workers gave Burch aid, but he died at the scene, agents said.

The GBI said investigators took Burch’s body to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

The investigation remains active. The GBI asked anyone with information to call its Atlanta Regional Investigative Office in Conyers at (770) 388-5019 or the GBI Tipline at 800-597-TIPS(8477).

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]