The Morton County States Attorney’s office has determined that a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper was justified when he shot and killed a Billings, Montana man after a reckless driver pursuit.
The incident happened September 7th about 13 miles west of Mandan on I-94. State radio received a report of a reckless driver eastbound. The patrol and Morton County Sheriff’s deputies were involved in the pursuit.
The trooper – Steven Mayer – was able to stop the car.
In audio released by the Patrol, Mayer told the driver several times to come out with hands raised. Then Mayer shouts, "He's got a gun."
Mayer than fired one shot, killing 45 year old Craig Knutson of Billings.
The investigation was handled by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation.