Rowan deputies: Rockwell man fatally shoots self during arrest

Independent Tribune
July 21, 2014

http://www.independenttribune.com/news/rowan-deputies-rockwell-man-fatally-shoots-self-during-arrest/article_a76fbfce-1113-11e4-aa5a-001a4bcf6878.html

ROCKWELL, N.C. -- A Rockwell man allegedly shot himself Saturday while Rowan deputies were serving arrest warrants related to sex offenses in Concord.

Michael Reese Mullis, 63, of 145 James Drive, Rockwell, died at his home after he allegedly shot himself in the head in the bathroom with a .357 magnum pistol, according to information provided by the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies say they went to Mullis' home on Saturday to serve two arrest warrants issued by the Concord Police Department.

The warrants were for taking indecent liberties with a minor, Concord police said. The crimes were reported on July 10, 2012 but occurred years earlier when the victim was less than 16 years old.

Mullis came to the door of the house in his sleeping attire, and deputies told him about the warrants then advised him to put shoes on, according to the RCSO information.

Mullis' wife also was home, and one deputy stayed with her while a second deputy escorted Mullis to the master bedroom.

Once inside the bedroom, Mullis suddenly went into the master bathroom and attempted to slam the door shut, according to the RCSO information.

The deputy was able to push the bathroom door open quickly and saw Mullis with the pistol in his hand. Deputies say Mullis shot himself in the head and died at the scene.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.