Spencer, IA (Northwest Iowa Now) — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has released information of a very scary incident that occurred in Spencer.

According to a release by Sheriff Chris Raveling – shortly after 4pm Tuesday afternoon a Clay County Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle near the intersection of 11th Street SW and 11th Ave SW. The 1998 red Chevrolet pickup was driven by 30-year-old Andrew Phillips of Spirit Lake.

The vehicle failed to stop for law enforcement and continued driving through the city limits of Spencer. During the pursuit, Phillips displayed a firearm and discharged it one time outside his vehicle window. Phillips drove through the new construction zone of Spencer Hospital in the 100 block of East 11th Street, causing significant damage to the property.

Phillips continued to drive until he reached the parking lot of First Christian Church on East 18th Street, at which time Phillips took his own life while inside the vehicle.

During this time Spencer Hospital, Spencer Middle School and First Christian Church were placed under lock down as a precaution.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Spencer Police Department, Iowa State DNR, Iowa State Patrol, Spencer Fire, Spencer Ambulance and the Clay County Medical Examiner’s Office.