A man who was being questioned by federal agents committed suicide during the interview Thursday morning, officials said.
Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations Division and Tulsa County sheriff's deputies were speaking to Robert McDermed, 41, at his home in the 3400 block of South Oswego Avenue about 8:50 a.m.
McDermed grabbed a gun he kept in the home and shot himself, according to a statement from Carl Rusnok, spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Tulsa Police Officer Jason Willingham said McDermed died just before 10 a.m.
Willingham said the agents, a county deputy, McDermed and his wife were talking in the living room when McDermed said he had to use the bathroom.
McDermed got up and went to a back bedroom, followed by two agents, Willingham said. McDermed got the gun from the bedroom and then shot himself, Willingham said.
He was being questioned by special agents as part of an ongoing investigation into child pornography, Rusnok said.
Willingham said Tulsa police are leading the investigation into the shooting.
The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office has an agreement with ICE to work together on local issues when they arise.
Copyright 2012 - Tulsa World, Okla.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
