Man Kills Himself During High Speed Chase (UPDATED)

The Panama City Police Department continues this evening to investigate the string of burglaries and the actions of the fleeing suspects in today’s incident.

The driver of the silver 1999 Honda Civic involved in the burglaries and pursuit has been identified as Christopher D. McElwain, 39
years of age, and the passenger identified as Dana K. Lanham, 27 years of age. Both are residents of Owensboro, Kentucky. McElwain’s remains were turned over to the Medical Examiners Office and his next of kin has been notified of his death related to the self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Lanham is the registered owner of the vehicle involved in this incident and has been charged at this time with five counts of Principal to Burglary, one count of Dealing in Stolen Property, and Fugitive from Justice for a warrant out of Kentucky for Burglary.

McElwain was also a Fugitive, wanted out of Kentucky for Trafficking in Methamphetamine.

Detectives are in the process of recovering and identifying some property that was stolen during the burglaries. More charges are expected as the investigations into the burglaries continue. Lanham was booked into the Bay County Jail for the charges at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Original Story

Officers with the Panama City Police department attempted to stop a burglary suspect driving a silver Toyota.

When the driver failed to stop, a high speed chase ensued, ending at Frankford Avenue and Beach Drive where the suspect shot and killed himself, resulting in a crash.

A passenger was escorted from the scene and is being questioned by police.

Roads in the area were closed.