State trooper killed in line of duty in Chester County

CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed in the line of duty Sunday night in Chester County.

Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe said on Facebook that the shooting happened on Compass Road in West Caln Township.

Gov. Josh Shapiro took to social media around midnight to announce that Cpl. Tim O’Connor died at Paoli Hospital after being shot during a traffic stop.

CBS News reported that O’Connor was shot after pulling over an “erratic driver,” after responding to a call around 8:15 p.m. Roughly 10 minutes later, as he was approaching the vehicle, he was fatally shot by the person inside, Lt. Col. George Bivens said.

“Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners. I’ve directed flags across our Commonwealth to be lowered Monday in honor of Corporal O’Connor. May his memory be a blessing,” Shapiro wrote.

Further details on the shooting are limited, but officials report the shooter, a 32-year-old man, has died by suicide.

“Please join me in praying for the state trooper who was shot moments ago during a traffic stop in West Caln Township,” Roe said in a Facebook post. “Chester County’s brave police officers put their lives on the line for us every day. I thank all of them for their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice. May God save this state trooper.”

The investigation is being led by Pennsylvania State Police and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.