FAIRBANKS, Alaska - A Fairbanks police officer fatally shot a man who pointed a handgun at the officer early this morning in the south side of the city, according to a news release from the Fairbanks Police Department.

The officer had come across a vehicle that had been reported stolen and was being driven northbound on South Cushman Street at 12:12 a.m. The vehicle stopped in the area of Laurene Street and 15th Avenue, and the two occupants fled the vehicle.

The passenger, identified as Matthew Dillingham, 21, fell down as he attempted to run around the front of the vehicle, according to police. At that time he reportedly pointed a handgun at the officer, who fired at Dillingham.

Dillingham was pronounced dead at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle has not been found.

The name of the officer, who has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard department policy, has not yet been released.

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