CHESTER COUNTTY, 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.
“I was at Paoli Hospital this evening with Corporal O’Connor’s wife Casey and his parents Maureen and Tim. My heart breaks for Tim and Casey’s young daughter and their entire family,” Shapiro said.
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.”
We lost a dear member of our family tonight, a hero,” Bivens said.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe said the community is “shattered” by the loss of O’Connor.
“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,” Barrena-Sarobe said.
Rep. Eric Weaknecht, R-Berks, urged Pennsylvanians to keep O’Connor, his family, and all first responders in their thoughts and prayers.
O’Connor, who has served with Pennsylvania State Police since 2010, is survived by his wife, Casey, their young daughter, and his parents, Maureen and Tim.
The Lancaster Township Police Department shared its condolences in memory of O’Connor.
Corporal O’Connor served the Commonwealth with honor, courage, and a steadfast commitment to protecting others. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the extraordinary bravery displayed each day by the men and women who wear the badge.”
“We honor him. We remember him. We will carry his light forward,” the police department wrote.
The investigation is being led by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
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