Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were pursuing suspects in a retail theft in Franklin County when their vehicle was stopped three miles from the Maryland state line and a man opened fire, kicking off a gun battle.
By Madison Montag Source pennlive.com
Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers are in critical condition and a suspect is dead after a retail theft in Franklin County led to a 15-mile car chase on I-81 that ended in a shootout Wednesday evening, according to officials.
Around 6:15 p.m., state police were dispatched to the Dicks Sporting Goods on the 1300 block of Lincoln Way East in Guilford Township for a retail theft.
The suspects, two women and a man, left the area and drove toward I-81, police said.
The suspects failed to pull over for police, touching off a pursuit that required officers to spike strip the vehicle at I-81’s exit 3, for Molly Pitcher Highway/ U.S. 11, in Antrim Township, about three miles from the Maryland state line.
The Dicks Sporting Goods is about 15 miles north of that I-81 exit.
The two women “immediately complied” with officers, but the man opened fire, shooting the two troopers.
The troopers returned fire, killing the man. State police did not include the names or ages of the suspects or the involved officers.
Both injured troopers were taken by helicopter to WellSpan York Hospital, where they were in “critical and serious” condition, police said.
Sections of U.S. 11 and I-81 south were closed for several hours following the shooting.
PSP’s Troop H Major Case Team is working with the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office to investigate the incident.
Gov. Josh Shapiro posted about the shooting Wednesday night.
The Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Joseph Regan issued a statement:
“These Troopers showed the kind of bravery and selflessness that defines the Pennsylvania State Police. We’re grateful they’re receiving the care they need and pray for their full recovery.”
In September, three officers were killed and two others were injured after a 24-year-old man ambushed police as they tried to serve a warrant in North Codorus Township, York County.
In February, an officer was killed while responding to a hostage situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township, York County.
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