Ex-head of Homicide Team in N.C. Kills Self

GREENSBORO - A retired sergeant with the Greensboro Police Department was shocked with a Taser on Monday as officers attempted to stop him from committing suicide, but the man later died from a self-inflicted gunshot.

Fred Alley Jr., 61, former head of the department's homicide squad, shot himself about 3:30 p.m. Monday behind his home at 36 Brandy Court, according to authorities.

Police said they were called to the home after reports of a man armed with a handgun who claimed to be suicidal.

Officers found Alley behind the house.

After tying to diffuse the situation, officers used the Taser.

However, Alley was able to fire his gun and shoot himself. He was taken to Moses Cone Hospital, where he died. The SBI was called in to investigate at the request of Greensboro police.

Police Chief Tim Bellamy identified the man as Alley.

Alley joined the police department in 1973, according to city records.

He retired in 2003, and was later hired to do background work for the department, according to city officials.

Bellamy said officers are trained to use a Taser or other weapon on a suicidal person when that person is an immediate threat to themselves. Using a Taser is a last resort, he said.

A celebration of Alley's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Summit Church in Kernersville, according to an obituary.

The family has asked that memorials be made to The Guilford County Animal Shelter.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals @news-record.com

nSgt. Fred Alley Jr. died of a self-inflicted gunshot in a confrontation with police.