WATFORD CITY–An officer involved shooting at a residence south of Watford City Monday evening has resulted in one fatality, according to a release from the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the news release, deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at 7:21 p.m. During the encounter, an officer-involved shooting took place. Deputies encountered a man on the front lawn of the residence along with a female. Deputies gave the male verbal commands, which were ineffective. The man continued to advance toward the deputies, and one deputy fell to the ground. The man lunged toward the deputy and fell to the ground as well.

The man verbalized several times that he was in possession of a firearm. The man got to his feet and continued to advance toward the deputies despite further verbal instructions to get back. One deputy discharged their firearm at the male, who fell to the ground and was provided immediate medical aid. Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene, and a man was transported to a Watford City hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased male has been identified as Walter Fitzwater, 65, who was staying in the Watford City area at the time of the incident. The name of the deputy who discharged the firearm will not be released.

The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office has requested the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation to investigate the officer involved in the shooting. The deputy has been placed on a paid administrative assignment per agency policy pending the outcome of the investigation.

The release indicates further information will be provided as it becomes available.