AMES — An Ames man wanted on a first-degree murder charge was flown to a Des Moines-area hospital Friday after police said he shot himself as officers attempted to take him into custody.

Richard Stone, 47, an Iowa State associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering and former reserve deputy for the Story County Sheriff’s Office, was identified as a suspect in the death of his wife, Kristen Stone, 47, who was found dead Thursday morning at 5010 Ontario St., according to a news release from the Ames Police Department.

Police responded to the residence at 7:17 a.m. Thursday. The subsequent investigation identified Richard Stone as a suspect in his wife’s death, according to the release.

Police obtained a warrant Friday charging Richard Stone with first-degree murder and began searching for him. The Iowa State University Police Department and Story County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search.

Officers located Stone in his Toyota SUV Friday afternoon and initiated a traffic stop in the 3900 block of Toronto Street at approximately 3:40 p.m.

“Stone stopped for officers and then shot himself inside of his vehicle,” the release stated.

Initial police radio traffic indicated Stone appeared to be deceased following the gunshot. Police later confirmed that emergency personnel initiated lifesaving measures and transported him for further treatment.

A radio call regarding the incident went out at approximately 3:43 p.m. Police established a crime scene along Toronto Street between Alabama Lane and Windsor Court as officers and emergency personnel responded.

Chris Brown, who lives in the area, said he was arriving home as the police response unfolded. He said he did not hear any gunshots but saw officers approaching the stopped vehicle behind a riot shield.

Officers and medics from Mary Greeley Medical Center and the Ames Fire Department began lifesaving measures on Stone, according to the release.

“Stone was transported by ambulance to a waiting air ambulance where he was flown to a Des Moines area hospital for further treatment,” the release stated.

A medical helicopter was observed flying over the area at approximately 4:17 p.m. Stone’s condition was unknown as of Friday afternoon, according to police.

A tow truck arrived at the Toronto Street scene at approximately 4:34 p.m.

Police have not released additional details about how Kristen Stone died or what led investigators to identify her husband as a suspect.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133 or its anonymous tip line at 515-239-5533. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400.

A criminal charge is an accusation, and Richard Stone is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.