In a tragic incident in southern Pennsylvania, a suspected stalker armed with a rifle laid in wait at his ex-girlfriend’s residence, where he ambushed officers attempting to arrest him, resulting in the deaths of three officers, according to York County District Attorney Tim Barker. The police arrived at the home and noticed the door unlocked, even though it had been secured by the ex-girlfriend and her mother before they left the property. Upon entering, the officers were met with gunfire from the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, who was carrying an AR-style rifle equipped with a suppressor. Ruth opened fire on the officers at the door, fatally shooting three of them. A shootout ensued outside between Ruth and two officers, during which Ruth injured a sheriff’s deputy before being shot and killed by the police.
The officers who lost their lives were Detective Sgt. Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker, and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, all members of the Northern York County Regional Police Department, as confirmed by Chief Dave Lash. Another officer from the same department was wounded in the incident, while the affiliation of the second hospitalized officer remains undisclosed. Tragically, investigators later discovered that the ex-girlfriend’s dog had also been shot dead in the basement.
The series of events unfolded as the authorities were searching for Ruth, who had been seen at the property the previous night. The ex-girlfriend’s mother had alerted the police after spotting a man in camouflage observing the house through binoculars. Additionally, the daughter had shown officers a trail camera photo depicting an individual outside the residence with a rifle and scope aimed at the house. Ruth managed to evade capture on the first night, prompting the officers to return the following day with warrants for his arrest.
The community has been plunged into mourning following this devastating incident, with law enforcement agencies expressing their grief on social media platforms and citizens paying tribute by leaving flowers at the officers’ headquarters. The rural area where the confrontation took place witnessed a somber procession as police and emergency vehicles made their way to the coroner’s office, with residents expressing shock and disbelief over the tragic turn of events. Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the need for societal change, urging for better support for those resorting to violence to resolve conflicts.
This incident marks one of the deadliest days for law enforcement in Pennsylvania in recent memory, matching the toll from a similar tragedy in 2009. As the community grapples with the loss of these dedicated officers, the impact of this senseless violence reverberates across the region, underscoring the risks faced by those who serve and protect the public.