PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) — An off-duty Washington State Patrol trooper shot and killed an intruder who attacked him at his south Kitsap home, according to the Kitsap County sheriff's office.

An investigation continues, bu the sheriff's office says it appears the trooper went outside Saturday shortly before midnight to check out a car on his property. When he identified himself as a law enforcement officer to the driver, a fight began and the trooper was struck in the head by a steel rod. Deputies say the trooper was able to struggle to his feet and when his attacker refused to comply with his commands, resorted to lethal force.

The name of the shooting victim, believed to be a 30-year-old South Kitsap man, was not immediately released. He was pronounced dead at Tacoma General Hospital. The trooper was taken to St. Anthony's Hospital in Gig Harbor for treatment.

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