NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Three law enforcement officers were killed and two others critically wounded during a gunfight with an armed man in camouflage who opened fire as police approached a farmhouse to serve a warrant, CNN reported.
The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. on Sept. 17 in a rural area of York County, about 115 miles west of Philadelphia, as officers from the Northern York County Regional Police and the York County Sheriff’s Office attempted to arrest a man accused of stalking a woman at the residence.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, was reportedly hiding in a nearby cornfield and ambushed officers as they approached. At least 30 shots were fired, according to witnesses. Ruth was killed when one of the wounded officers returned fire, officials said.
The officers had been using a drone to inspect the area before approaching to serve a warrant. Authorities said the suspect appeared to be lying in wait, dressed in camouflage. Court records show Ruth was facing charges of stalking, trespassing and prowling at night on the day of the incident.
The two wounded officers were hospitalized and listed in critical but stable condition, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said. The names of the officers have not been released.
“This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
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The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York County District Attorney’s Office are assisting with the investigation. A major case team has been assembled.
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