Update

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota state trooper who fatally shot a Montana man along an interstate last month has been cleared of any wrongdoing. The Morton County State’s Attorney’s Office determined Trooper Steve Mayer was justified in his use of deadly force against 45-year-old Craig Knutson, of Billings. Mayer was assisting Morton County sheriff’s deputies who attempted to stop Knutson who refused to pull over on Interstate 94 west of Mandan on Sept. 7. Knutson’s father, Jerry Knutson, also of Billings, told The Bismarck Tribune he had no issues with Mayer being cleared because “he did what he had to do.” He said he was thankful his son did not get into a wreck on the highway or shoot an officer.

Previously…

Bismarck  (NDHP)  A news release issued by the ND Highway Patrol on Tues Oct 5,  said  “Trooper Steven Mayer was justified in discharging his firearm in the defense of self and others.”

Highway Patrol News Release:

“On the evening of Tuesday, September 7, at approximately 8:18 pm, a North Dakota Highway Patrol  trooper was assisting Morton County Sheriff’s Office deputies in a pursuit of a vehicle traveling east
on Interstate 94 near mile marker 139 or 13 miles west of Mandan. The pursuit originated from a  reckless driver call. When the pursuit ended, the trooper fired his weapon resulting in the death of the  lone vehicle occupant, a 45 year-old Billings, Montana man. The incident is under investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Our 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. North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers train extensively for high-risk incidents. 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.


SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 UPDATE: The trooper involved in this incident is identified as Trooper Steven Mayer.

OCTOBER 05, 2021 UPDATE: The North Dakota Highway Patrol has received notice from the Morton County  State’s Attorney’s Office that after careful review of the officer involved shooting, Trooper  Mayer was justified in discharging his firearm in the defense of self and others. Therefore,
there will be no charges arising from this incident or investigation. The NDHP has reviewed the  case as well and has determined that Trooper Mayer acted within department policy during  the incident.”