A rural Pennsylvania community was left in shock after a shooting ambush on Wednesday claimed the lives of three law enforcement officers and wounded two others, marking one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania police in recent history.
The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. in North Codorus Township, an area characterized by small barns and expansive farmland, approximately 115 miles west of Philadelphia.
Officers from the Northern York County Regional Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve a warrant at a farmhouse when they were met with gunfire from 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, who had been lying in wait, dressed in camouflage, according to law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation.
“It seemed like a war zone, sounded like a war zone,” neighbor Dave Miller told CNN, recounting the at least 30 shots that rang out.
Miller, who witnessed the chaos from his car, said, “I just could not believe what I saw.”
Ruth, identified by state law enforcement officials, was facing charges of stalking, loitering, and prowling at nighttime, as well as criminal trespass, related to a domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend, who lived at the farmhouse.
Court documents revealed that Ruth had been spotted on a trail camera the previous day, “looking through a scope device with it pointed towards the residence” and carrying an AR-15 style rifle. Despite a search on Tuesday night, police were unable to locate him before the fatal encounter.
As officers approached the property on Wednesday with the warrant, Ruth opened fire from a nearby cornfield, killing three officers outside and wounding two more inside the farmhouse. One of the injured officers managed to return fire, ultimately killing Ruth, officials said.
Miller feared for his safety, thinking, “Well, if they didn’t get him, he’s on the run and he could come through the cornfield,” CNN reported.
The aftermath saw a massive law enforcement response, with officers in riot gear and carrying long rifles descending on the area.
“Then I saw a body on the road,” Miller said, describing the moment he realized the severity of the situation.
The Spring Grove School District briefly ordered a shelter-in-place as roads were closed, and WellSpan Hospital in York implemented enhanced security protocols, treating two individuals for injuries sustained in the “police incident.”
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris addressed the tragedy at a news conference, stating, per CNN, “The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it,” and pledged a full investigation.
One officer remained hospitalized Thursday, with the Northern York County Regional Police Department urging the community to “keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro, who met with the families of the slain officers, called the day “absolutely tragic and devastating,” CNN reported. He added, “We need to do better as a society,” emphasizing the need to address violence.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel announced federal support, with Bondi stating on X, “Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable.”
Mourners gathered Wednesday night for a procession honoring the fallen, with American flags lining the streets as emergency vehicles passed under an arch formed by fire truck ladders.
An update and initial findings are expected Thursday from Paris and York County District Attorney Tim Barker.