Marion County man hospitalized after shooting himself in head when deputies find house ablaze

A Marion County man remains hospitalized at a Springfield hospital after he shot himself in the head when deputies, responding to a report of a suicidal male, found a house and vehicles ablaze. The man, 72-year-old Kenneth Nelson of rural Yellville, was airlifted to Cox Medical Center South for treatment and he is likely to face charges once he is released.According to Marion County Sheriff Gregg Alexander, the incident occurred Jan. 9 when deputies went to the residence off Arkansas State Highway 14 South. When they arrived, a house, truck and a tractor were all engulfed in flames.
The deputies found Nelson holding a gasoline container near the pickup and ordered him to drop it. He ignored their demands, drew a gun and shot himself in the head. The deputies secured the weapon and moved Nelson away from the burning structure and vehicles.

Sheriff Alexander says the investigation into the incident is continuing and criminal charges against Nelson are expected.

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