yes - suicide by cop.  i just pulled some stats..Wiki : (not sure of the extent of their study  area):
 of 853 homicides in 1 year, over 50% were suicide by cop (homicide just means death at the hand of another)
95% males, mean age 35,  37% were single and 41% were white.
 54% were unemployed and 62% confirmed probable mental health history. 87% stated previously their death wish and 36% were over the legal dui limit of alcohol
  it's become frequent enough that the cops call it a phenomenon and just about everybody understands what is meant when the phrase is said. the key factor is pushing and pushing against the cops til they have no more options but to open fire.
  the police are not the ones in charge and calling the shots - no pun intended. they are reacting because they can't get in front of this thing happening.