WATCH: Trooper justified in Morton County shooting, dashcam video released

UPDATE: The Morton County State’s Attorney’s Office says a North Dakota trooper who shot and killed a man on I-94 13 miles west of Mandan last month was justified.

After reviewing evidence, State’s Attorney Allen Koppy said Trooper Steven Mayer was justified in defending himself and others. The Highway Patrol says Mayer acted within department policy.

Forty-five-year-old Craig Knutson of Billings, Montana was shot following a 21 mile long chase that began as a reckless driver call on Sep. 7. A trooper used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle and Knutson was given several loud commands to get his hands up.

Authorities say a handgun was found in the vehicle.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified a man who died after he was shot by a state trooper Tuesday night near Mandan.

Highway Patrol Chief of Operations Tom Iverson says 45-year-old Craig Knutson of Billings, Montana was shot following a 21 mile-long vehicle pursuit on I-94.

Iverson says after the trooper used a PIT maneuver to bring Knutson’s vehicle to a stop, Knutson was given “several loud, verbal commands to get his hands up.”  He says at around 8:18 p.m., the trooper fired one shot, resulting in Knutson’s death.  A revolver was recovered from Knutson’s vehicle.

Iverson says the pursuit was at highway speeds of around 70-75 mph.  He says it was not immediately clear why Knutson fled.

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

The trooper, who has not been identified, was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.  The case will be reviewed by the Morton County State’s Attorney.