Former CMU Running Back Zurlon Tipton Dies In Accidental Shooting At Roseville Dealership
ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - A man who accidentally shot himself at a car dealership in Macomb County has been identified as former Central Michigan University and Indianapolis Colts football player Zurlon Tipton.
St. John Hospital confirmed to WWJ Newsradio 950 that Tipton died a short time after his arrival there on Tuesday.
It happened at the Roseville Chrysler Jeep dealership on Gratiot near 10 Mile Road, when the 26-year-old man brought his vehicle in for service, police said.
Roseville Police Deputy Chief Donald Glandon said the shooting was clearly accidental.
"He was gathering up personal belongings from the interior of the vehicle, putting them into a backpack, book bag type container," said Glandon. "While doing so, one of two guns that were in that backpack discharged, striking this individual in the stomach."
Hear the 911 call:
Glandon said it's not clear if the guns belonged to the victim or why he had them in his backpack. An investigation continues.
Tipton made headlines last year when he was arrested for allegedly firing an assault rifle in Indiana.
A running back, Tipton played for the Colts for two years and was a free agent at the time of his death. Police have referred to him as a Detroit resident, but said his Jeep had an Indiana license plate.