Suspect who killed three Pennsylvania officers identified

Police have identified the suspect who fatally shot three officers in southern Pennsylvania as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, who was already wanted on stalking charges.

Court records show the suspect also faced charges of criminal trespass and loitering and prowling at night, connected to a domestic-related investigation that began the day before.

The shooting took place Wednesday afternoon in rural York County while officers were serving a warrant at a farm. Three officers were killed and two others injured before the suspect was shot dead by police. The wounded remain in stable condition.

A procession through Spring Grove later that night paid tribute to the fallen, with residents lining the streets, waving American flags and saluting passing ambulances.

Neighbours reported heavy police activity near the suspect’s home outside Hanover, which began around midday and continued into the evening. Rose Miller, who lives nearby, recalled the suspect from childhood, when he sold items for Boy Scouts fundraising.

Officials said further details of the domestic investigation that led officers to the farm will be released in due course.

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