State Patrol puts Trooper on Administrative Leave After Shooting Near Mandan

(Bismarck, ND) -- A North Dakota State Highway Patrol trooper is on the sidelines after shooting a fleeing suspect Tuesday evening.

The NDHP says at approximately 8:18 p.m., a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper was assisting Morton County Sheriff’s Office deputies in a pursuit of a reckless driver traveling east on I-94 near mile marker 139 about 13 miles west of Mandan. When the pursuit ended, the trooper fired his weapon, resulting in the death of the vehicle’s lone occupant, a 45-year-old Billings, Montana, man. A firearm was also recovered from inside the vehicle.

"North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers train extensively for high-risk incidents," said Sergeant Wade Kadrmas in a statement sent to WDAY Radio. "We value each individual and understand that the loss of life is a tragic event. The North Dakota Highway Patrol has a robust program in place to assist our troopers and their families through these difficult times."

The trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation by BCI and review by the Morton County State’s Attorney, which is standard practice and department policy following an officer involved shooting.