A state trooper shot and killed a burglary suspect after a violent struggle Sunday, state police said.
Two troopers had responded to a home in Maurice River around 12:20 a.m. after a 911 caller reported a burglary at the unoccupied residence.
One trooper soon encountered Jimmy Testa, 31, of Maurice River, who authorities say was running from the back of the house. A struggle ensued, but Testa broke free and ran behind another house across the street.
The troopers pursued Testa and another struggle occurred as they tried to arrest him behind the second house, which was cluttered with scrap metal and junk. One trooper then used pepper spray in a bid to subdue Testa, but it didn't appear to have any effect.
The struggle continued until one trooper fired a single round from his service handgun that struck Testa in the upper body. A steel pipe believed to have been used by Testa as a weapon was recovered at the scene, authorities said.
Testa was pronounced dead at the scene. The two troopers, whose names were not released, were treated at a hospital for undisclosed injuries.
The incident will be reviewed by the shooting response team from the state Attorney General's office, which investigates all shootings involving troopers.
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Authorities declined further comment on the matter, citing the ongoing investigation.
