By JOHN PURCELL

Recorder News Staff

A man apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Wednesday evening after he was found alongside Charles Street in Amsterdam, according to preliminary reports.

Amsterdam police responded around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday to a possible man who committed suicide using a firearm. Authorities located a man laid on his back on the sidewalk along Charles Street near the intersection of Kimball Street. The victim appeared to have been shot in his head.

The victim was reportedly pronounced deceased at the scene and authorities suspected he committed suicide.

Police were seen picking up a handgun from the ground near the victim and placing it into a bag.

Charles Street resident Raul Rivera, who lives less than a 100 feet from where the gunshot victim was found, said he was inside his home and heard what sounded like a firecracker. He only heard one “pop,” which did not seem particularly loud.

Rivera said he only came outside after police patrol vehicle lights started flashing into his home.

Requests for additional information from Amsterdam police about the incident were not returned before going to press.