What sort of beetle is this, and is it a roach?

[Duzell]

I found this guy/gal in my room today... I was petrified because I thought it was a roach. I trapped it for a while and franticly texted my friend who knows more about these sort of things. If it wasn't a roach or some other sort of infesting bug, it was my intent to release him outside if he wasn't a pest. I've been really worried because I've seen other roach-suspects in my house, and I've been searching for house centipedes to release in the event that these ARE roaches. (I can't use pesticides as I have several feathered friends in my house)

I showed him to my friend, who doesn't seem to think he's a roach, but some sort of ground beetle, because he could see the segments and because I couldn't see any wings. He isn't even as big as the pop top of a soda can.

Yes, he's in a baggy now. He died sometime during the day though I made sure he had air when he was in the plastic container. The baggy made him easier to take pictures of when I was showing my friend. I'm sorry they're only crappy webcam pics, my camera died.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v411/Duzell/P1007130052227.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v411/Duzell/P1007130053110.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v411/Duzell/P1007130056169.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v411/Duzell/P1007130055560.jpg

 

[VinceG]

Well, first of all, No, it's not a roach.

The picture isn't enough clear to tell exactly what it is, but i'd guess a sp. of Carabinae.

 

[Duzell]

Ahh, thank you. I'm just glad it isn't a roach.8C I wish I could have known for sure earlier and he wouldn't have died. Atleast now if another one gets in, I know it's okay.

Hopefully it isn't something that can hurt my house.

 

[cacoseraph]

doesn't look like any roach you are likely to encounter in the USA, for sure

i would guess beetle, and other guy's better guess seems good to me, too (but i don't know about beetles, really)