Forest County coroner Norman J. Wimer said he was summoned to the scene of the apparent suicide on Blue Jay Road (Route 1003) just north of Marienville in Howe Township.
Marienville state police said the incident occurred about 11:50 a.m., and Wimer said he pronounced Anthony Chad Detar, 38, dead at the scene at 1:08 p.m.
Wimer said the cause of death will be listed as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death will be listed as suicide.
Published reports say that Kelly S. Detar, 40, was found dead in her home in the 800 block of Scott Haven Road in Sewickley Township about 8:10 a.m. Friday by family members who contacted police.
The Westmoreland County coroner’s office said Kelly Detar was shot in the head, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Wimer said he was told by state police that Anthony Detar was on the run after he killed his wife. Police were able to track down his whereabouts and locate his vehicle, Wimer said.
“While Mr. Detar was still driving and the vehicle still moving, knowing that he was about to be apprehended, he made the decision to end his life,” Wimer said.
Wimer said no shots were fired by state police.
“From what I determined, state police were doing the best they could to try to apprehend Detar unharmed and keep him in an unpopulated area since he was considered armed and dangerous,” Wimer said. “Fortunately, no one else was hurt.”
Marienville volunteer firefighters also assisted at the scene with traffic control.
