Jones took his own life as a form of protest towards health maintenance organizations after he had been diagnosed as HIV-positive several months earlier.

[1] By the end of April 1998, Jones believed he was going to die and so he decided to take his own life in a way that would draw publicity to his situation.

He began pointing a loaded shotgun at passing cars on the freeway, causing motorists to report him to the police.

Jones himself then called 911, revealing he was emotionally distraught about health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and the circumstances surrounding his HIV.

Jones remained in his truck the entire time, as police and news helicopters monitored his movements.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Special Weapons Team began to assemble and got into position around him.

[4] Jones unfurled a large, square banner with white handlettering that read: "HMO's are in it for the money!!

Jones got out of the vehicle however and ran across the freeway as he was engulfed in flames and smoke, with his hair, pants and socks all on fire.

They found the remnants of several Molotov cocktails, a number of shotgun shells and the charred remains of the dog, who had died in the fire.

When recovered by the authorities, who viewed the video, it was discovered that it was a videotaped suicide note recorded by Jones on the previous day.

"[9] Because Jones's suicide was witnessed by children, many criticized the Los Angeles television stations' practice of airing police pursuits live.

[10] The incident prompted a wave of criticism about live news broadcasts, proposing changes in the way they were handled in the future.

KNBC issued an apology saying, "We did not anticipate this man's actions in time to cut away, and we deeply regret that any of our viewers saw this tragedy on our air.

"[13] KCBS-TV channel 2 moved to a wide shot before Jones took his life because they were reportedly concerned over his erratic behavior.

KCAL-TV channel 9 reportedly received an estimated 120 calls during the broadcast prior to Jones even taking his life, requesting the station to cut away from the story before things got out of hand.