Hamilton cop dies after shooting himself in police station

HAMILTON, Ont. -- A Hamilton police officer who shot himself in a police station locker room Tuesday afternoon has died in hospital.

The officer, identified as Staff Sgt. Ian Matthews, was not expected to survive.

In a statement, Hamilton police chief Glenn De Caire says Matthews was a 25-year veteran of the force and had served in many roles.

De Caire says the death is "devastating" and having a "profound impact" on the force.

The statement did not indicate why Matthews shot himself.

An investigation is being conducted by the nearby Halton police force and De Caire says no further information will be released.

"We respect the commitment and tenacity shown by Ian to his work and will work to honour his life with the same dedicated, professional effort that he displayed," said De Caire`s statement posted on the Hamilton police website late Tuesday.

"We are supporting Ian's family during this tragic time and our Critical Incident Response Team continues to respond to support our members through this tragedy."