RICHMOND — Investigators were at the scene of a traffic stop that ended when the vehicle’s driver fatally shot himself, authorities said Monday.

Just after 1:30 p.m., a Richmond police officer noticed a black coupe driving in the Shops at Hilltop parking lot, Richmond police Lt. Felix Tan said.

Shortly after the officer pulled the coupe over, the male behind the wheel shot himself. Hearing the shot and fearing for his life, the officer retreated to his vehicle and called for backup,Tan said.

Other officers arrived and, noticing the vehicle’s dark-tinted windows, used less-lethal munitions to break them open so they could see inside. Officers then realized the driver was dead.

Tan said officers later found the driver was sought by San Francisco police in connection with a criminal investigation. No other information on the driver was immediately available.

“It’s still early on in the investigation, but the occupant of the vehicle committed suicide,” Tan said.

Check back for updates.

Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.