McRae-Helena man kills himself after police chase in Telfair County

MCRAE-HELENA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — GBI agents are investigating an incident regarding a McRae-Helena man after he pulled a gun out and killed himself following a police chase Sunday.

Authorities identified the suspect as 43-year-old Keith Wendell Wilcox.

The Georgia State Patrol and Telfair County Sheriff’s Office requested help from the GBI to investigate the death of Wilcox. 

Investigators say that authorities issued a lookout for Wilcox in a shooting investigation in Ben Hill County that happened at around 6:45 p.m. on Sunday. 

Telfair County deputies saw Wilcox’s vehicle on Highway 441 near the Workmore community. Deputies tried to stop the vehicle, however, a chase ensued. 

McRae-Helena Police Department and Georgia State Patrol were also involved in the chase. 

During the chase, investigators say that Wilcox dropped off two children at a family member’s home in McRae-Helena. Then the chase continued onto Highway 341 South. 

At around 7:15 p.m., a Georgia State Patrol trooper ended the chase near Highway 341, just outside of McRae-Helena city limits. Authorities say Wilcox exited the vehicle with a gun and shot himself. 

Wilcox died of his injuries at the scene. Authorities took the body of Wilcox to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.

GBI deems this an active investigation. 

Anyone with information should contact at 478-374-6988.