Gorontalo. A policeman was found dead with a gunshot wound in his chest inside his duty car in the northern Sulawesi province of Gorontalo on Saturday morning.

The officer, a 1st brigadier identified by initials RF, was found in a sitting position in the Toyota Rush mini SUV parked on a rural road in Ombulo, West Limboto Regency, Gorontalo Police spokesman Chief Comr. Wahyu Tri Cahyono said. 

“A gun was found near the handbrake lever inside the car,” Wahyu added.

The car’s engine was engaged but the doors were locked when first responders from the district police came to the scene, suggesting that the deceased had committed suicide.

But police will conduct a thorough investigation and autopsy to determine the cause of the death, he said.

RF served as an adjutant for the high-ranking officers in the provincial police prior to his death.