Story highlights The officer was investigating reports of a car break-in

Authorities: The officer, "in fear of his life," fired

(CNN) A campus police officer at Spartanburg Methodist College in South Carolina shot and killed a man who allegedly struck him while trying to flee.

The officer was investigating reports of a car break-in behind a school dormitory when he spotted two people, said Thom Berry, spokesman for the South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division.

Police caught one person shortly afterward. The other got into a car and struck the officer while trying to drive off, Berry said.

The officer, "in fear of his life," fired, Berry said.

Authorities didn't name the officer or the person who was killed.

Read More