Pa State Trooper killed in Chester County traffic stop, authorities say
A pa state trooper was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Chester County on Sunday night, Pennsylvania State Police said. As of 11: 30 a. m. ET Monday, officials described the incident as a murder-suicide after the driver involved in the stop also died. The shooting took place in West Caln Township, authorities said.
Pennsylvania State Police identify Corporal Timothy O’Connor in West Caln Township
Authorities said the trooper killed was Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who responded at about 8 p. m. ET to a call about an erratic driver in Honey Brook. Investigators said O’Connor stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township.
Lt. Col. George Bivens said O’Connor made a radio call indicating the traffic stop, which was the last communication received from him. Investigators said that within seconds of approaching the vehicle, the driver opened fire, killing O’Connor at the scene.
Lt. Col. George Bivens details the traffic stop at Route 10 and Michael Road
Investigators said the driver was 32 years old and fired from inside the vehicle as O’Connor approached the driver’s side. Bivens said the gunfire struck O’Connor “just as he approached the driver’s side of the vehicle. ”
Authorities said the driver then exited the vehicle and fatally shot himself. Investigators described the sequence as a murder-suicide. Officials have not released the name of the suspect and said only that he was a man from Chester County.
Separately, initial reports of the shooting began coming in shortly after 9 p. m. ET, with the incident described as occurring during a traffic stop near Compass and Michael roads in West Caln Township. At that time, the trooper’s condition was not clear and no suspect information was provided.
Gov. Josh Shapiro orders flags at half-staff after Pa State Trooper’s death
Gov. Josh Shapiro joined law enforcement officials outside Paoli Hospital and spoke about the loss to the state police community. “The Pennsylvania State Police family lost a son, lost a hero, and lost a dedicated public servant, ” Shapiro said.
Authorities said a solemn procession carried O’Connor’s body from Paoli Hospital to the coroner’s office in West Chester. Shapiro ordered flags across Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in O’Connor’s honor.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said the county is assisting with the investigation. investigators will examine the driver’s background and motives.
More details are expected from authorities as the investigation continues, with the next official updates anticipated after investigators complete additional steps in the case.
