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HAVRE — A man who was shot to death by a Phillips County sheriff's deputy last week had been walking down the highway in the middle of the night wearing just underwear prior to the confrontation that led to his death, the sheriff's office said.

A motorist called 911 just after 3 a.m. on July 27 to report a man walking down the middle of U.S. Highway 191 south of Malta wearing only underwear, Sheriff Scott Moran said in a statement. The motorist said he stopped and asked the man if he could help. His offers were refused, but the motorist said he gave the man a spare sweatshirt.

Deputy Alan Guderjahn responded to the call and recognized Ambrose Mecklenburg, 20. He offered him a ride to Malta, but it was refused.

"While speaking with Mecklenburg, Mecklenburg pulled a knife and attacked Guderjahn without warning," the sheriff's statement said.

Guderjahn was unable to subdue Mecklenburg and was forced to shoot him, officials said.

Passing motorists aided Guderjahn, who sustained several cuts and stab wounds to his head, arms and torso, Moran said. The deputy was taken to the hospital in Malta and then Great Falls. He was released three days later.

The case is still being investigated by the state Division of Criminal Investigation.

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