DPS identifies Mesa man shot, killed by trooper on Loop 101 in Tempe

A 44-year-old Mesa man has been identified as the person shot and killed by an Arizona trooper early Sunday along Loop 101 in Tempe, authorities said.

Lemonte Anthony Knobelock died after officials said he pulled out a handgun when he refused to follow commands while barricaded in a vehicle,  according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The trooper attempted to contact the driver about 1:58 a.m. May 5. The suspect had stopped his vehicle on the left shoulder of Loop 101 just south of University Drive.

The vehicle matched the description of one about which authorities had received reports of erratic driving behavior.

The shooting occurred about 2:26 a.m. after the driver brandished the gun.

No troopers were injured, officials said.

The AZDPS Major Incident Division is investigating.

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