Update 4:35 PM:
A North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper shot and killed a man following a pursuit on Interstate 94 in the western part of the state. The patrol says the shooting happened around 8:20 p.m. Tuesday about 13 miles west of Mandan. The trooper was assisting Morton County Sheriff’s Office deputies in a chase that originated with a report about a reckless driver. Forty-five-year-old Craig Knutson of Billings, Montana, was killed in the shooting. The patrol says a gun was found in Knutson’s vehicle, but Patrol Maj. Thomas Iverson declined to say whether Knutson had fired it or was even holding it before the trooper shot him. He also refused to release the trooper’s name.
AP
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Update 4:00 PM:
Authorities have identified a Billings, Montana, man who was shot and killed by a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper Tuesday evening on I-94.
The trooper was assisting Morton County Sheriff’s deputies in a chase that began with a report of a reckless driver.
The Patrol says 45-year-old Craig Knutson died after a 20-mile pursuit about 13 miles west of Mandan.
The Patrol’s chief of operations, Major Tom Iverson, said a spike strip deflated one tire of Knutson’s van, but it continued east until being stopped by the trooper’s PIT maneuver.
“The trooper exited his vehicle and gave the driver several loud, verbal commands to get his hands up,” Iverson said. “The trooper informed the other officers on scene that the suspect had a gun. At approximately 8:18 PM, the trooper fired one round from his duty weapon, resulting in the death of the vehicle’s lone occupant.”
Iverson said a revolver was recovered from Knutson’s vehicle.
The trooper has been placed on standard administrative leave pending an investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The trooper’s name has not been released.
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Original post:
One man is dead and a North Dakota State Patrol trooper is on paid administrative leave following a shooting along I-94 last night (Tuesday).
The trooper was assisting the Morton County Sheriff’s Department with a vehicle pursuit 13 miles west of Mandan. The incident stemmed from a call about a reckless driver around 8:18 p.m.
According to the NDHP when the pursuit ended the trooper fired his weapon resulting in the death of the vehicle’s lone occupant. The driver was identified as a 45-year old man from Billings (MT).
Authorities say a firearm was recovered from the vehicle.
The incident is being investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The case will also be reviewed by the Morton County State’s Attorney.
(Some from AP)
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