Suspect identified in fatal shooting of three Pennsylvania officers as stalking warrant served

A 24-year-old man has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of three Pennsylvania police officers and the wounding of two other officers during the service of a stalking warrant in York County on Wednesday, authorities said. Matthew James Ruth, of Hanover, was identified by law-enforcement sources as the gunman who opened fire as officers followed up on a domestic-related probe the day before. Ruth was killed by police in the ensuing gunfight. The three slain officers have not been publicly identified, and the two injured officers were listed in critical but stable condition.

Investigators said the attack occurred as officers attempted to arrest Ruth after he had been identified in a stalking case. Earlier that day he had been charged with stalking, prowling at nighttime and criminal trespass after authorities alleged he lurked near a woman’s home in North Codorus Township late Tuesday night, according to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by local news outlets. According to the affidavit, a resident reported seeing a man wearing camouflage peering into the home with binoculars.

The shootings unfolded in and around Spring Grove, in York County, as officers served the stalking warrant in connection with the domestic-related probe. The three officers who were killed have not been publicly identified by the agencies involved, while the two wounded officers remained in critical but stable condition. Authorities did not disclose additional details about the gunfight, including how Ruth was located or what sparked the confrontation.

Law-enforcement officials said the investigation is ongoing and being conducted by local police, with assistance from state agencies. Investigators have asked the public for any information related to Ruth’s movements in the hours leading up to the shooting and any potential accomplices. The events prompted an outpouring of support and condolences from the Spring Grove community and surrounding jurisdictions, where officers normally patrol a close-knit, rural area near the Susquehanna River.

York County authorities have urged residents to avoid speculation and to rely on official briefings as they work to determine the sequence of events, identify the victims, and understand Ruth’s background. In the wake of the fatal shootings, officials reiterated the dangers officers face during warrant service and domestic-related investigations, and they renewed calls for public safety cooperation to help prevent such incidents in the future.