Franklin County, PA – Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers are in critical condition after a 15-mile chase along Interstate 81 ended in a deadly shootout early Thursday near the Maryland state line.
According to the Palos Park Police Department, the pursuit began after an alleged theft from a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Franklin County. When officers attempted to stop the suspects’ vehicle, the driver refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit that stretched to I-81’s Exit 3, about three miles north of the Maryland border.
Police deployed spike strips to disable the fleeing vehicle. Once stopped, authorities say two women in the car “immediately complied” with orders, but a male suspect allegedly opened fire, striking both troopers.
The troopers returned fire, killing the man at the scene. The women were taken into custody without further incident.
Both troopers remain hospitalized in critical condition as state police and local agencies continue investigating the shooting. No additional details about the suspects or the troopers have been released.
This incident marks one of the most serious assaults on Pennsylvania State Police officers in recent months, following a rise in violent encounters during traffic and theft-related stops statewide.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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