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MOORE, Okla. (AP) — Two Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers on Wednesday shot and killed a suspected car thief who crashed the truck he was driving during a pursuit, authorities said.
The troopers were responding to a report of a stolen vehicle shortly before noon when they spotted a man driving it northbound on Interstate 35 and initiated a pursuit, said Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokeswoman Sarah Stewart.
The man exited the interstate in Moore, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a median, a light pole and several trees, Stewart said.
“When the suspect exited the vehicle, two of our troopers opened fire," Stewart said. “The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene."
Stewart said she didn't know if the man was armed.
“That will all be part of the investigation," she said.
The man's name was not immediately released pending notification of his family, Stewart said. The two troopers have been placed on administrative leave.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has its own investigations division that will look into the shooting and turn over its findings to the local district attorney, who will decide if the shooting was legally justified.
The troopers were not wearing body cameras, but did have dashboard-mounted video cameras in their patrol cars, Stewart said.
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