A man who was armed and raised his rifle to the “lower ready” position was shot and killed during am encounter with troopers from the Hazleton barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Police said Thursday morning that Ronald D. Hoffman, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office.

The incident happened around 9:49 a.m. Wednesday when state police were summoned to assist the White Haven Police Department with locating Hoffman.

Officials said the borough police department had been conducting an investigation because the man was reported to have shown up at a residence at Anthony’s Road, Foster Township. He was carrying a rifle, waving it around and screaming unintelligibly. The complainant said Hoffman was not legally able to possess a firearm.

An officer of the borough department saw Hoffman carrying a dark-colored hunting rifle with a scope. Police told him to put the gun down but during the encounter, Hoffman raised his rifle into the “lower-ready” position, while pointing it at the officer.

The Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Unit, along with officers from the Hazleton and Fern Ridge barracks responded to secure a perimeter of the general location of Hoffman at about 11 a.m.

The Pennsylvania State Police, Special Emergency Response Team also responded to the scene.

Police said Hoffman was observed walking through a wooded area by troopers. He continued to remain armed and disobeyed all commands issued by troopers to drop the rifle. During this encounter, Hoffman was struck by a single round fired by a trooper.

Police said the trooper who fired his weapon will be placed on administrative duty as per state police regulations, while the investigation continues.