Former Peruvian president Alan Garcia has reportedly shot himself in the head as police arrived at his home to arrest him. The ex-president was rushed to hospital, and is reportedly unconscious.

The former leader entered his bedroom after noticing police officers at his door, La Republica reported. After shooting himself in the head, Garcia was taken to a hospital trauma unit and is reportedly in a coma. America Noticias reports the former leader suffered two cardiac arrests during surgery, and is in a "very critical, very serious" condition, according to the country's health minister.

Garcia, who served two terms as president of Peru, is under investigation for bribery. Garcia is one of more than 230 people across Latin America investigated in a corruption case centered on Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht.

Another corrupt ex Latin American president propped up by Washington as leader of 'regional democracy', shoots himself in the neck while being detained on corruption charges. I present, Alan Garcia of Peru: https://t.co/5Mlk2APstN — Eva Golinger (@evagolinger) April 17, 2019

The former leader sought asylum in Uruguay last November, after a judge barred him from leaving Peru for 18 months. The asylum request was denied, and a judge in Lima ordered his detention on Tuesday.

Prosecutors say Garcia took bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for a lucrative public transport contract in Lima. Garcia denies the charge, and claims he is being politically persecuted.

Peru’s last five ex-presidents have all served jail time or are under investigation for corruption. Garcia’s successor Pedro Pablo Kuczynski is also being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Odebrecht scandal. Prosecutors are currently seeking to extend Kuczynski’s detention until he can be brought to trial.

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