A large law enforcement situation shut down both directions on U.S. 60 near Gold Canyon, east of Apache Junction, on Tuesday.
Mesa police say a death investigation caused the hours-long closure.
On Wednesday, Mesa police officials say the incident started just after 2:30 p.m. when officers located a wanted man, 42-year-old Justin Meritt, driving near Silly Mountain Road in Apache Junction.
A traffic stop was conducted on U.S. 60, however, Meritt refused to exit the vehicle.
Eventually, a Mesa SWAT team was called to the scene to negotiate with Meritt to exit, but he still refused.
SWAT members then made their way to the vehicle and located Meritt dead in the driver's seat with a handgun.
A preliminary investigation suggests Merrit died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Mesa PD.
Police say Meritt was wanted in Mesa for an investigation the day prior involving serious felony crimes, including against children.
An investigation remains ongoing.
