SPARKS — A local resident who “never raised his voice” outside his home on the 2200 block of Lexington Way was found shot to death Sunday evening, an apparent suicide victim who was a suspect in a domestic violence case.

Sparks police officers arrived at the home — owned by William and Rhonda McCalla, according to Washoe County Assessor records — expecting to arrest a man for domestic battery after his wife reported an incident to police at about 7 p.m.

When officers knocked on the door, the man answered while holding a handgun, according to a police statement issued Sunday night. After a short conversation at the door, the man slammed the door shut and then officers heard what they thought was a single gunshot from inside. Officers retreated and obtained a search warrant for the house. A SWAT team was called out to serve the warrant.

When the SWAT team entered the home, they found the man dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police have not released the name of the man or woman, according to Lt. Pete Krall. According to public records, the McCallas purchased the home in 1997. It has since been refinanced and is now owned by the McCalla Family Trust. William McCalla is listed as the operator of Dr. William C. McCalla DDS Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery on Pyramid Way in Sparks.

Dave Rials, a neighbor who lives across the street, said he was a friend of the man who died. Rials described the victim as an oral surgeon with whom he had gone hunting a few times throughout the years.

“He’s worked on my teeth,” Rials said. “He’s always been a great guy. That’s why last night was kind of a shock. I’ve never seen him drink. He’s always been an outstanding guy. He never raised his voice. He’s funny, joking, laughing and smiling. He was an awesome guy.”

Rials said he had never seen police on his street before Monday night.

“It was an eyeopener,” he said.

Rials is watching over his neighbors’ house to make sure no one enters. Other friends are watching their dogs, he said.