CLINTON TWP — A Sarver man apparently shot himself before his Jeep Liberty crashed along Goldscheitter Road, state police said this morning.

Police initially believed Douglas McCullough, 52, died of injuries from the crash, which was discovered about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. But an autopsy later in the day found a bullet hole in McCullough’s head.

Police today said they continue to investigate the death and they are awaiting toxicology and additional lab results.

Investigators suspect that McCullough was traveling on the road when he shot himself with a .45-caliber pistol. His Jeep went off the road and traveled into woods before it hit a tree and flipped onto its roof. A passing motorist spotted the wreckage and called 911.

Butler County Chief Deputy Coroner John Hanovick pronounced McCullough dead at the scene at 7:45 a.m. He declined to comment this morning.

A wrecker towed the Jeep to a salvage yard. A search of the vehicle later Tuesday turned up McCullough’s .45-caliber pistol.

The Redmond Funeral Home in Freeport is handling funeral arrangements.