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Aurora Police Believe Denver County Fugitive Shot Himself

AURORA, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - Aurora police say a wanted man apparently took his own life when police approached him on Saturday.

Police say they got a tip that a wanted Denver County fugitive, who police believe is Clifton Ray Williams, 40, was seen inside a vacant home. Officers surrounded the house and a short time later an officer saw someone trying to climb a fence.

Clifton Ray Williams
Clifton Ray Williams (credit: Denver Police Department)

Police say they heard a gunshot and found a the man lying on the ground suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The man later died at a hospital.

Police have not confirmed the man is Williams but say they are fairly certain that it is him.

According to the Denver District Attorney's Office, Williams was accused of kidnapping, attempted sexual assault and third-degree assault. His trial began last week and on Tuesday he failed to return to the courtroom after the lunch break.

Williams was accused of kidnapping and attacking a woman in 2011. He was out of custody on a $60,000 bond. He spoke with CBS4 from within the Denver Jail in August 2011 shortly after he was arrested. At the time, he claimed he was the victim in the case.

Clifton Williams BISCAY SHOOTING 6VO.transfe
The scene Saturday night (credit: CBS)

"I guess I've been all over the news portrayed as a sexual predator, if you will, which I am not. I am not," he said in the interview.

Police say Williams attacked a woman on South Broadway. He claims she was a prostitute that stole his money.

Despite his absence, a jury convicted Williams on kidnapping and assault charges last week.

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