Dubuque County Pursuit Ends in Fatal Self-Inflicted Shooting, Name Released

Authorities in Dubuque County are investigating a fatal incident that followed a slow-speed vehicle pursuit Saturday afternoon on April 18th.

Get our free mobile app

According to a news release from the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop at approximately 1:55 PM, after observing a vehicle commit multiple traffic violations. Authorities also discovered that the driver was known to have an outstanding warrant for their arrest.

The driver, now identified as 45-year-old Scott M. Auderer of Dubuque, failed to yield and instead led deputies on a slow-speed pursuit through the northern portion of the county. Officials said the pursuit continued for a period of time before deputies deployed stop sticks in an effort to safely bring the vehicle to a halt.

The use of stop sticks was successful, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop near the intersection of Tollgate Road and Ridge Road. When deputies were finally able to approach the vehicle, they located the driver who was now suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Deputies, along with emergency personnel from Holy Cross EMS, immediately began life-saving measures. Despite those attempts, Auderer was pronounced dead at the scene.

Additional information shows no other injuries were reported in connection with the chase or ensuing incident. Authorities have not released additional details at this time. However, the incident remains under investigation, and officials say more information may be released as it becomes available.