STROUD, Okla. — The Department of Public Safety said an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper shot and killed a truck driver on the Turner Turnpike Wednesday.
Officials told 2 News a trooper pulled over a semi-truck driver heading eastbound on the turnpike three miles past Exit 179 for Stroud around 8:30 a.m. The truck was not pulling a trailer.
DPS said the Trooper requested assistance from a K-9 unit and a fight ensued in the cab of the truck. At that time the trooper shot and killed the semi-driver, according to DPS.
What caused the altercation is still under investigation but OHP said the trooper reported shots fired 15-20 minutes after the initial traffic stop.
When backup arrived, the driver was pronounced dead.
"We had troopers on the scene fairly shortly to assist," Trooper Brack Miller said. "They tried to render aid and then after that our investigation division shows up and starts processing the scene."
The trooper was not injured and was taken in for questioning, according to OHP.
"He'll be placed on administrative leave while the investigation goes on, until he's cleared by I believe the DA's office," Tpr. Miller said.
While traffic from Turner Turnpike toll booths was diverted to merge over Creek County District Attorney Max Cook himself was on the scene speaking with OHP officials.
"Once they complete their investigation they'll give their information to me and we'll see. Right now not much is known," Cook said.
Miller added that it is rare that a traffic stop involving a truck driver can go wrong and in this case turn fatal, but he's confident in the investigation.
"Our investigations division does an excellent job of collecting evidence and taking care of a case," he said.
This is a developing story.
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