Two officers from the Reno Police Department are on leave after they fatally shot an armed suspect Sunday afternoon.

The suspect was identified by his mother as 23 year old Scott Demars, originally from Fallon but had currently been living in Reno.

Police said it began with a robbery at the Valley Market near Valley Road and Winston. They explained that Demars went inside with a handgun, and when he exited, he was confronted by two police officers.

"They challenged him in the parking lot my understanding he did take a defensive position and aim his firearm at the police officers," Commander Jon Catalano said.

That's when the officers fired at Demars, he said. But he ran into a nearby yard. Then, it looked as though Demars was going to shoot at officers, and the police shot him dead, Catalano said.

"We don't know if (Demars) fired at the officers, but I know the officers did fire when they saw a threat but whether he fired or not is going to be determined by the investigation."

Authorities said there are many witnesses they'll be talking to as part of their investigation.

Since the shooting involved Reno Police officers, a different law enforcement agency will head the investigation into the shooting.

Police said they are comparing Demars' description to that in other robberies. In addition to Sunday's incident, the Valley Market was also held up Friday.

The names of officers involved have not been made available yet.