D.C. police say a robbery suspect killed after exchanging gunfire with authorities apparently turned the gun on himself.

Officers responded to the 1700 block of Riggs Place NW for the report of an armed robbery at about 11:40 p.m. Thursday. About 10 minutes later, a patrol officer tried to intercede in a second armed robbery in progress nearby in the 1400 block of Swann Street NW.

The suspect exchanged gunfire with officers and ran from the scene. He was found a block away with a gunshot wound to the head.

Preliminary information from witnesses indicates that the suspect killed himself, Assistant Police Chief Peter Newsham said Friday.

"In my career, it's not unheard of" to have a suspect turn the gun on himself, Newsham said. "...It's very unfortunate that we lost somebody, that somebody lost their life as a result of this."

There was a weapon recovered from the scene.

The officers were not injured.

Police believe the two robberies, which happened about three to four blocks apart, were related, but have not confirmed that, Newsham said. The robberies involved the attempted theft of property from the victims, Newsham said.

It's unknown whether the suspect was struck by any police gunfire. An autopsy will be conducted.

All roads in the area have been reopened.

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