By Dave Thompson

MANDAN, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – 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. And here’s audio of what happened when Mayer approached the car.

Mayer then fired his weapon, killing 45 year old Craig Knutson of Billings.

The investigation was handled by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation.