A Bronson Harbor man in Niles Township, armed with a knife, who investigators charged at officers was shot and killed.

Berrien County Sheriff’s deputies were called around 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 30, to Franklin Woods in the 1900 block of South 13th Street.

Upon arrival deputies encountered Chaz Nathan McGowen, 28, who they say was armed with a knife.  Officers tried to deescalate the situation with several verbal commands and then deployed less lethal rounds when they say McGowen refused to drop the knife.

McGowen then charged at the deputies which forced them to shoot, according to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

Life saving measures were administered by the deputies but McGowen died.

The Michigan State Police have been requested and are performing the investigation into this officer involved shooting incident.

Both Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.