Three Pennsylvania police officers killed, gunman killed in York County ambush; dog found dead in home

Three officers with the Northern York County Regional Police were killed and two others were wounded after Matthew James Ruth, 24, opened fire on a group of detectives as they arrived to serve a warrant at the home of his stalking victim in York County, Pennsylvania, authorities said. Ruth was killed in a later exchange of gunfire with responding officers, and a black Labrador found in the residence was also shot and killed, officials said.

The attack followed an apparent domestic violence incident involving Ruth and his ex-girlfriend on Aug. 20, according to York County District Attorney Tim Barker. The woman told investigators she saw Ruth in surveillance footage wearing camouflage clothing and binoculars, with the rifle slung around his neck. Five officers went to the woman's home to serve a warrant, but Ruth was not immediately located. When Det. Isaiah Emenheiser approached the front door, the suspect opened fire and repeatedly shot at two other officers, including a deputy sheriff, authorities said.

Det. Sgt. Cody Becker, Det. Mark Baker and Det. Isaiah Emenheiser were identified as the three officers who died. A fourth Northern York County officer and a York County sheriff's deputy were wounded and hospitalized in critical but stable condition, Barker said.

Police had previously visited the home the night before after a report that Ruth was lurking outside the victim's residence with an AR-15. The home was later entered by officers, at which point Ruth ambushed them as the door opened; Ruth was killed during the exchange of gunfire when officers returned fire. The ex-girlfriend and her mother had fled the home earlier in the day for their safety.

Authorities continued to investigate the sequence of events and the relationship between Ruth and his ex-girlfriend, with prosecutors saying the domestic violence matter prompted the attempted warrant service.

This is a developing story, and authorities said updates will follow.