St. Paul police release name of man they fatally shot

St. Paul police shot and killed a man in a hotel along Interstate 94 Monday night after he rushed at them with a knife, authorities said.

Police said they were called to a Super 8 Motel near White Bear Avenue and the freeway. A caller said a man on the third floor of the motel was threatening suicide and might be using methamphetamine.

Officers arrived and found the man barricaded in a room, threatening to kill them from inside. Police said they backed away and prepared to start clearing out the adjacent rooms for the guests' safety, when the man came out.

Police spokesman Pete Crum said he confronted police in the hallway with heavy-duty utility knives. Crum said the officers did not use tasers to stop him.

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"He came out and he was in very close proximity. The problem with the taser is, in close proximity, if it doesn't work, you don't have time for a second option," Crum said.

Four officers fired, killing the man. He has been identified as 36-year-old John Charles Carr of Anoka.

The officers have been placed on administrative leave, and the Ramsey County Attorney and Medical Examiner will investigate the death.

Police said they expect the matter will also be presented to a grand jury review, as is standard for such cases.