PHOENIX — A man is dead after a confrontation with an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper early Monday morning.
DPS identified the suspect Monday evening as 28-year-old Dion Johnson.
A DPS trooper was patrolling the area of Loop 101 and Tatum Boulevard around 5:30 a.m. when he saw a car parked on the eastbound gore point, partially blocking traffic.
The trooper saw a man passed out in the driver's seat and tried to talk to him. A struggle ensued, and the trooper fired at Johnson.
A second trooper arrived on the scene and helped get Johnson out of the car. Johnson was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
No DPS troopers were injured in the incident.
The trooper who shot the suspect has served with DPS for 15 years.
Phoenix police and DPS will be investigating.
This is a developing situation. Stay tuned to 12 News for the latest.
