A Pennsylvania State Police trooper died Sunday night after being shot during a traffic stop in West Caln Township, Chester County, according to a statement from Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Trooper Fatally Shot After Pulling Over Erratic Driver
Corporal Timothy O’Connor, a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, was fatally shot after stopping a vehicle reported to be driving erratically near the intersection of Compass Road and Michael Road around 8:25 p.m., officials said.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, as Corporal O’Connor approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, he was shot by the man inside. The driver then died by suicide.
Governor Shapiro stated he spoke with Corporal O’Connor’s family following the shooting, adding, “But the one thing we absolutely know for certain is that their son, their husband, is a hero. He died protecting others, and that is a noble calling.”
Corporal O’Connor is survived by his wife and daughter. Lt. Col. Bivens described the loss as losing “a dear member of our family tonight, a hero.”
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, led by Chris de Barrena-Sarobe, is assisting the Pennsylvania State Police in the investigation. The shooter has been identified as a 32-year-old man from Chester County, but his name has not been released.
“Our community is shattered,” de Barrena-Sarobe said. “We grieve for the loss of Cpl. O’Connor, and we have the deepest condolences to his family. And unfortunately we just don’t have a lot of answers as to why this happened.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial traffic stop?
Corporal O’Connor initiated the traffic stop after receiving a report of a vehicle driving erratically.
Was the suspect known to authorities?
The source does not contain information regarding whether the suspect was known to authorities.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate the fatal shooting.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the events leading up to this tragedy.
