A Pennsylvania state trooper died in the line of duty near Philadelphia.
Officials say Corporal Timothy O’Connor was shot while responding to a call about an erratic driver on Sunday night. Authorities said that when he approached the car, the driver opened fire.
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O’Connor allegedly responded to a call to investigate an erratic driver. Lt. Colonel George Bivens stated that O’Connor made a radio call indicating the stop but did not respond to subsequent calls to check on him.
Lt. Colonel Bivens stated that the driver started the fire nearly immediately as O’Connor approached the vehicle.
“There are many questions, many of which will go unanswered, but the one thing we absolutely know for certain is that their son, their husband, was a hero. He died protecting others, and that is a noble calling,” stated Gov. Josh Shapiro.
According to police, a 32-year-old Chester County driver stepped out of his vehicle and killed himself. Trooper O’Connor leaves behind a wife and a young daughter.
“We are mourning the tragic loss of Corporal Timothy O’Connor. As a Pennsylvanian and as a DA, waking up to news like this is something you pray never happens, but as a father of young children myself, I’m simply devastated for his wife and family. No family should have to endure a loss of this magnitude. This cowardly act is a chilling example of the dangers our law enforcement community faces each and every day that are taken for granted far too often, and a crushing reminder of the human beings behind the badge. We ask you hold his family close to your hearts as they face difficult days ahead,” said Delaware County District Attorney.
Governor Shapiro has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Trooper O’Connor.
