Pennsylvania state police trooper shot and killed during traffic stop; suspect also dead
WEST CALN TWP., Pa. -- A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed during a traffic stop on Sunday night, authorities said.
According to investigators, Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr. responded around 8 p.m. to a call about an erratic driver in Chester County.
Lt. Col. George Bivens said O'Connor made a radio call indicating the traffic stop, which was the last communication received from him.
Investigators said that within seconds of approaching the vehicle the driver opened fire, killing O'Connor at the scene.
The gunman was identified by state police as Jesse Nathan Elks, age 32, of Honey Brook, Pa.
"Within seconds, as he approached the car, the driver opened fire from inside the vehicle and struck him just as he approached the driver's side of the vehicle," Bivens said.
Authorities said Elks then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance, and then fatally shot himself with a pistol.
Investigators described the incident as a murder-suicide.
O'Connor was 40 years old. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who joined law enforcement officials outside Paoli Hospital, spoke about the loss to the state police community.
"The Pennsylvania State Police family lost a son, lost a hero, and lost a dedicated public servant," Shapiro said.
A solemn procession carried O'Connor's body from Paoli Hospital to the coroner's office in West Chester, with Chopper 6 flying above the procession as it moved through the area.
Shapiro has ordered flags across Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in O'Connor's honor.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe says the county is assisting with the investigation.
They will now be investigating his background and motives, according to de Barrena-Sarobe.
State police say O'Connor was assigned to Troop J, Embreeville Station, and enlisted in the PSP in September 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class.
Upon graduation, he was assigned to Troop J, Avondale, and in October 2016, he joined their Criminal Investigation Unit. In March 2022, he transferred to Troop J, Embreeville, and in July 2022, was promoted to corporal and continued serving at Troop J, Embreeville.
O'Connor became the 105th member of the PSP to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in the line of duty.
"This is a tragic day for all of us. We have lost a dear member of our family, a hero and member of the Pennsylvania State Police," Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, said in a statement. "Our hearts remain with Corporal O'Connor's wife, daughter, and family. We ask for everyone's continued prayers to help them during this devastating time."
