State Police Open Fire On Man Near Boston University

Massachusetts State Police say a trooper has shot and killed a man who brandished a knife and refused orders to put it down near Boston University.

The state police superintendent, Col. Timothy Alben, says the trooper encountered the man Friday afternoon on a footbridge over Storrow Drive near the BU campus. Alben says the trooper opened fired as the man made threatening gestures.

Alben said officers first approached the man because he matched the description of someone with several outstanding warrants. He says the man then pulled out a knife and fled on foot along the Esplanade and onto Storrow Drive.

The man's name wasn't immediately released. Alben said the suspect had a lengthy criminal history in the Boston area.

The trooper's name also hasn't been released.  (Associated Press)