| By Big Radio News Staff |

State investigators have released the name of the Beloit police officer authorities say shot a man dead as he lunged at a person while wielding two blades April 28.

The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation says Beloit police officer Nicholas S. Rodenbeck shot 33-year-old Beloiter Michael P. Ward as he was rushing another person with what police call a pair of “bladed weapons.”

The state agency, which is investigating the police-involved shooting, says police had told Ward to drop the blades, but he ignored them. Rodenbeck then fired his gun, hitting Ward.

State investigators say authorities performed life-saving measures on Ward, but he later died at a local hospital.

Police used body cameras in the incident.

State investigators say Beloit police are cooperating with the investigation. Ward, a three-year officer, remains on leave pending the probe.

Results of the state’s investigation will be turned over to the Rock County District Attorney’s Office.