North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation officials are investigating a murder and attempted suicide in Anson County involving a young child, according to police officials.

According to authorities, a woman called 911 about 3 a.m. Monday to report that her daughter and vehicle had been taken from her Polkton home, allegedly by the child’s father.

The Anson County Sheriff’s Office responded, issuing a “be on the lookout” alert for the missing Jeep Liberty.

Just before 8 a.m., an Anson County deputy spotted the vehicle in Wadesboro and attempted a traffic stop. Officials say they followed the suspect but eventually the pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed off Little Creek Road.

Polkton is a small town about 40 miles east of Charlotte.

Inside, deputies found the young girl with a gunshot wound, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver also suffered from a gunshot wound. The driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition, authorities said.

Investigators said they believe the child was shot inside the vehicle before the driver turned the gun on himself. The SBI is leading the investigation alongside the Polkton Police Department and the sheriff's office.