A Pennsylvania State Police corporal was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Chester County's West Caln Township on Sunday (March 8), in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide.
Cpl. Timothy O'Connor was killed after a 32-year-old driver opened fire as the trooper approached the vehicle, according CBS 21. O'Connor was pronounced dead at Paoli Hospital.
According to the Delco Times, O'Connor initially responded around 8 p.m. to a report of an erratic driver in Honey Brook. He stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road, made a radio call indicating the traffic stop — and that was the last communication anyone received from him.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens described what happened next. "Within seconds, as he approached the car, the driver opened fire from inside the vehicle and struck him just as he approached the driver's side of the vehicle," Bivens said. Authorities say the driver then exited the car, walked a short distance, and shot and killed himself.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed the suspect was a 32-year-old man from Chester County. His identity has not been released. Investigators are now looking into his background and possible motive.
Gov. Josh Shapiro went to Paoli Hospital, where he met with O'Connor's wife, Casey, and his parents, Maureen and Tim. He addressed the state in the early hours of Monday (March 9), calling O'Connor's death a profound loss. "The Pennsylvania State Police family lost a son, lost a hero, and lost a dedicated public servant," Shapiro said. The governor added, "My heart breaks for Tim and Casey's young daughter and their entire family."
Shapiro ordered flags across Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in O'Connor's honor. A solemn procession later carried O'Connor's body from Paoli Hospital to the coroner's office in West Chester.
Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe asked for prayers on social media before the trooper's death was officially announced. "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."
Route 10 (Compass Road) was closed between Hill Road and Lammey Road following the shooting, according to the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
This remains a developing story. Investigators are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the community mourns the loss of Cpl. O'Connor.