A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was fatally shot Sunday night in Chester County, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced early Monday morning.
Corporal Tim O’Connor was killed during a traffic stop in West Caln Township, authorities said.
Shapiro said he joined O’Connor’s wife Casey and his parents at Paoli Hospital after the shooting.
“My heart breaks for Tim and Casey’s young daughter and their entire family,” Shapiro said on social media. “Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners.”
Shapiro ordered flags to be lowered to half staff around the state in honor of O’Connor.
At a news conference with Shapiro outside Paoli Hospital, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said O’Connor pulled over a motorist who was reported to be driving erratically near Compass and Michael roads just before 8:30 p.m.
Bivens said that as O’Connor approached the driver’s side of the car, the driver shot O’Connor, according to CBS Philadelphia. Bivens said the driver then took his own life, CBS Philadelphia reported.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe said the driver was a 32-year-old Chester County man. His identity was being withheld, according to the CBS Philadelphia report.
Compass Road, which is Route 10, was closed after the shooting between Hill Road and Lammey Road, according to a post on X by the Chester County Department of Emergency Services. The road was expected to remain closed until 5:55 a.m., according to 511PA.com.
Before O’Connor’s death was announced, Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe in a post on Facebook, asked for prayers for the trooper.
“Chester County’s brave police officers put their lives on the line for us every day,” Roe said. “I thank all of them for their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
