CRAWFORD COUNTY (WWJ) - An alleged drunk driver is dead in Northern Michigan after a trooper fired his weapon and struck the man on Friday night, authorities said.
Michigan State Police said the incident occurred after a trooper and cadet responded to reports of a vehicle crashed in a ditch on the northbound side of I-75, north of the West Federal Highway exit in Beaver Creek Township, around 9 p.m. on Feb. 3.
Troopers stated the vehicle appeared to have driven off the left side of the freeway and got stuck in the ditch.
Based on a preliminary investigation, MSP said the trooper was able to speak with the male driver who was believed to be intoxicated. As the two interacted, the trooper discharged his weapon for an unknown reason.
The driver -- identified as 48-year-old David Alan Stockton of Tawas -- was struck and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The trooper and the cadet were not injured in the incident. State police said detectives did find a handgun from the victim's vehicle, but it is unclear if the weapon is related to the trooper open firing.
"The MSP Forensic Science Laboratory from Grayling and the MSP Third District Investigative Response Team, out of Flint, responded to the scene to conduct the investigation, which is ongoing at this time," state police said of the incident.
The trooper involved in the incident was placed on administrative leave, as outlined in department protocols, while the investigation is ongoing.
Once completed, the results of the investigation will be handed over to the prosecutor for review.
No other details about the incident were released at this time.