SPANISH FORK — Authorities have released the name of a Utah County sheriff's deputy who shot and killed a knife-wielding suspect.

Deputy Sean Peterson remains on paid administrative leave in the wake of last month's fatal shooting, the Daily Herald reported.

Sheriff's officials say Peterson had been pursuing 33-year-old Mark Daniel Bess, who had several outstanding drug- and traffic-related arrest warrants, in the Lake Shore area west of Spanish Fork.

They say Peterson found Bess behind a barn.

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The two were between 45 and 50 feet apart when Bess allegedly ignored commands to put down the knife and went at the deputy.

Authorities say Peterson fired at least two shots, hitting Bess in the head and body.

He later died at a hospital.

— Associated Press

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