Three Officers Fatally Ambushed by Suspected Stalker in Pennsylvania
Three Officers Fatally Ambushed by Suspected Stalker in Pennsylvania
NORTH CODORUS, Pa. – Three police officers were tragically killed in an ambush by a suspected stalker in southern Pennsylvania, authorities confirmed on Thursday, following a violent confrontation that unfolded on Wednesday afternoon.
Matthew James Ruth, 24, who was being sought on misdemeanor stalking charges, lay in wait at his ex-girlfriend’s home. When officers from the Northern York County Regional Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, they were immediately met with gunfire from an AR-style rifle, York County District Attorney Tim Barker said.
Detective Sgt. Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker, and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser were identified as the fallen officers. All three served with the Northern York County Regional Police Department. Two other officers were also wounded during the ensuing gunfight, which ultimately led to Ruth being shot and killed by police. Investigators later found the ex-girlfriend’s dog had been shot dead in the basement.
The incident marks one of Pennsylvania’s deadliest days for law enforcement this century. Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences on Wednesday evening, stating, “We need to do better as a society.” As the community in North Codorus and wider York County grieves, neighboring departments have stepped in to assist, and tributes, including flowers and flag salutes, have been placed at the slain officers’ headquarters.
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