A Pennsylvania state trooper was shot and killed during a traffic stop Sunday night in Chester County, according to authorities.
The victim, identified as Corporal Timothy O’Connor, received a call about an erratic driver in Honey Brook around 8:16 p.m., according to Lt. Col. George Bivens. O’Connor pulled over the vehicle about 10 minutes later near Compass Road and Michael Road in West Caln Township.
“He made a radio transmission indicated that he was stopping the vehicle, and that is the last we hard from Corporal O’Conner,” Bivens said at a news conference early Monday morning.
Within minutes of approaching the vehicle, the driver opened fire through the window, striking O’Conner with a “fatal wound,” Bivens said. The driver then left the vehicle, walked a short distance, and killed himself with a semiautomatic pistol.
Authorities said the suspect was a 32-year-old man, but did not release his name.
“He is a Chester County resident,” Chester County District Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said. “In the coming days we’re going to be looking into his backgrounds and his motives. But we are just starting our investigation as we speak.”
A solemn procession of police cars left Paoli Hospital Monday morning after O’Conner was pronounced dead. The 15 year veteran leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
“Our community is shattered,” de Barrena-Sarobe said.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he ordered flags across the commonwealth to fly at half-staff to honor O’Conner, whom he called “a hero.”
“He died protecting others,” Shapiro said. “And that is a noble calling. And that is something we are profoundly grateful for.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.