Three police officers were killed and two were wounded in York County, Pennsylvania, as they followed up on a domestic-related investigation. CBS News’ Tom Hanson has the latest.
Court documents say he was facing charges of stalking, criminal trespass and related offenses due to the incident.
According to court documents, a woman reported to police that her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ruth, 24, of Hanover, had been seen peeping into her property, along the 1800 block of Haar Road within North Codarus Township, with a pair of binoculars on Tuesday, Sept. 16, just one day before the deadly shooting occurred.
As detailed in the document, police sought an arrest warrant for Ruth after he, allegedly, was captured on a trail camera at his ex-girlfriend’s home, wearing camouflage and standing in the driveway of the property peeping at the residence through binoculars at about 11:11 p.m. on Tuesday.
An officer who arrived at the scene, the document notes, found a black Ford Ranger parked in the area, but did not locate Ruth.
Also, in a review of footage from that trail camera, court documents note, the man could be seen wearing an AR-15-style rifle slung across his shoulder as he peered at the residence.
Further details in the documents note that the ex-girlfriend had reported issues with Ruth before and she believed Ruth had visited her property in August to, allegedly, attempt to destroy her vehicle.
Court documents claim that, on Sept. 11, 2025, the same woman told police that someone had set her pick-up truck on fire on Aug. 20, 2025.
In that incident, court documents said, fire officials have determined someone intentionally set the ex-girlfriend’s pick-up truck on fire while it was in the driveway of her home.
The woman told police, according to court documents, that she suspected Ruth but “requested the matter not be investigated.”
The woman’s family set up a trail camera outside the house following that incident, court documents note.
According to court documents, the woman claimed she and Ruth “only dated for a short period of time and that Ruth had never been to her house, nor had he ever been invited there.”
But, she allegedly told police, Ruth owned the black Ford Ranger pick-up truck that police discovered near her home after the reported peeping incident on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.
3 police officers killed in York Co. shooting
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, shortly after 2 p.m., a shootout occurred as officers arrived to serve an arrest warrant for Ruth in the area of Haar and Emig roads, in North Codorus Township in York County. As they arrived, a gunman — now identified as Ruth — began firing at them, investigators said.
Three officers were killed and two others were wounded in the shooting. Ruth, officials said, was shot and killed by police during this confrontation, as well.
As of about 10 a.m. on Thursday, officials have not shared identifying details for the three officers that were killed in this incident.
An unknown person fatally shot three police officers and wounded two more Wednesday afternoon in York County, according to Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris.
There is no active threat to the community, according to Paris, and the shooter was killed by law enforcement.
York County District Attorney Tim Barker will release more information this evening, Paris said.
Law enforcement officers were at a property in North Codorus Township where the shootings occurred to follow up on a “domestic-related” investigation that began Tuesday, Paris said. He said police are not releasing more details because they are obtaining and serving more search warrants.
“There are no words I can offer to assuage the grief the community experiences,” Paris said. “We stand here united. We will not rest until we’ve conducted a full, fair, competent and thorough investigation into this matter.”
The shooting, which occurred at around 2:10 p.m., stemmed from a warrant service on Haar Road in North Codorus Township in York County, according to NBC10.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro lamented the tragedy of the shooting, and referred to the fatal shooting of Officer Andrew Duarte who was killed in February by a stray projectile while responding to a hostage situation at York Memorial Hospital.
“This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said.
“We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon, is the answer to resolving disputes,” Shapiro said. “We need to do better when it comes to mental health, and dealing with those in need.
“We have to do better as a society,” Shapiro said.
A log of 911 calls describes the incident as “officer down,” with a “signal 13,” which means officer in trouble. Officers needed medical transport, according to dispatch logs, with a medivac helicopter and ambulances sent to the scene.
At least two officers were transported with multiple gunshot wounds, according to dispatch logs.
Officers were keeping people well back from the scene in the area’s rolling farmland, with some 30 police vehicles blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm and soybean and corn fields.
Michelle Baughman with the York County District Attorney’s office said Wednesday afternoon, “We will come forth with information at an appropriate time; however, now is not that time.”
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, in a social media post, said, “Please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County.”
The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia said in a social media post that they were “monitoring the incident” in Pennsylvania and advised Mexican residents nearby to follow official instructions.
A spokesperson for the Mexican consulate in Philadelphia said the post was “only a precautionary alert for our community.
PennLive staff writer Madison Montag and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Three police officers were killed and two were wounded in a shooting in York County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday afternoon, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher L. Paris said.
The two injured officers are in critical but stable condition at the hospital, Paris said during a news conference.
The gunman died after being shot by police, Paris said.
Paris said police are investigating but do not believe there is any threat to the community. The scene is still active as of Wednesday evening, he said.
The incident happened just after 2 p.m. near the 1800 block of Haar Road in Codorus Township, south of York.
The officers were at the scene to follow up on a domestic-related investigation that began Tuesday, Paris said. Officials have not said exactly what led to the shooting.
CBS News Philadelphia
“The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it,” Paris said during a press conference at the hospital where the injured officers are being treated, WellSpan York Hospital.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro described Wednesday as an “absolutely tragic and devastating day” for the county and the commonwealth.
“I think it’s important for you to know that these families who are dealing with — they’re grieving right now and they’re suffering right now — took the time to tell us … how proud they are of their loved ones who put on a uniform to keep us safe,” Shapiro said. “It’s an extraordinary thing that these law enforcement families do; they support the individual who puts on the uniform and runs toward danger.”
Shapiro also ordered the U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at state facilities and public buildings and grounds be lowered to half-staff in honor of the officers who died.
The hospital confirmed it is treating two people who are “in serious condition” related to the incident and said “enhanced security protocols” were in place at the facility immediately following the incident.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on social media asked people to “please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County” and urged people to follow guidance from law enforcement. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he was on his way to the area, as well.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on social media that the FBI and ATF are on the scene to support local law enforcement. “Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved,” Bondi said in the post.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed her department is also monitoring the situation and “working with interagency partners.”
Pennsylvania State Police and the York County district attorney are leading the investigation. The FBI is also on the ground assisting local and state investigators. The investigation includes multiple locations within the county and will continue overnight, state police said.
Schools in the Spring Grove Area School District sheltered in place because of the incident, but have since gotten the “all clear” from law enforcement, according to the district website. The move was made out of an abundance of caution, and no students or schools were involved, the message online says.
The response to the officers’ injuries unfolded on a rural road that winds through an agricultural area not far from the Maryland state line.
Recent police shootings in Pennsylvania
In his remarks at the hospital, Shapiro mentioned West York Patrolman Andrew W. Duarte, who died in a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York in February. The gunman also died, and another officer was injured, officials said.
Two Pennsylvania state troopers were shot and a civilian was killed in Susquehanna County in Northeast Pennsylvania in August. The suspect in that shooting, which also unfolded in a rural area, was killed by police, officials said.
Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were each shot twice and airlifted to hospitals but expected to be OK.
Laura Fay is a digital content producer at CBS News Philadelphia. Laura previously worked as a reporter, editor and audience director at The 74, a nonprofit news organization covering education.
Three police officers were killed and two were wounded in a shooting in York County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday afternoon, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher L. Paris said.
The two injured officers are in critical but stable condition at the hospital, Paris said during a news conference.
The gunman died after being shot by police, Paris said.
Paris said police are investigating but do not believe there is any threat to the community. The scene is still active as of Wednesday evening, he said.
The incident happened just after 2 p.m. near the 1800 block of Haar Road in Codorus Township, south of York.
The officers were at the scene to follow up on a domestic-related investigation that began Tuesday, Paris said. Officials have not said exactly what led to the shooting.
CBS News Philadelphia
“The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it,” Paris said during a press conference at the hospital where the injured officers are being treated, WellSpan York Hospital.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro described Wednesday as an “absolutely tragic and devastating day” for the county and the commonwealth.
“I think it’s important for you to know that these families who are dealing with — they’re grieving right now and they’re suffering right now — took the time to tell us … how proud they are of their loved ones who put on a uniform to keep us safe,” Shapiro said. “It’s an extraordinary thing that these law enforcement families do; they support the individual who puts on the uniform and runs toward danger.”
Shapiro also ordered the U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at state facilities and public buildings and grounds be lowered to half-staff in honor of the officers who died.
The hospital confirmed it is treating two people who are “in serious condition” related to the incident and said “enhanced security protocols” were in place at the facility immediately following the incident.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on social media asked people to “please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County” and urged people to follow guidance from law enforcement. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he was on his way to the area, as well.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on social media that the FBI and ATF are on the scene to support local law enforcement. “Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved,” Bondi said in the post.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed her department is also monitoring the situation and “working with interagency partners.”
Pennsylvania State Police and the York County district attorney are leading the investigation. The FBI is also on the ground assisting local and state investigators.
Schools in the Spring Grove Area School District sheltered in place because of the incident, but have since gotten the “all clear” from law enforcement, according to the district website. The move was made out of an abundance of caution, and no students or schools were involved, the message online says.
The response to the officers’ injuries unfolded on a rural road that winds through an agricultural area not far from the Maryland state line.
Recent police shootings in Pennsylvania
In his remarks at the hospital, Shapiro mentioned West York Patrolman Andrew W. Duarte, who died in a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York in February. The gunman also died, and another officer was injured, officials said.
Two Pennsylvania state troopers were shot and a civilian was killed in Susquehanna County in Northeast Pennsylvania in August. The suspect in that shooting, which also unfolded in a rural area, was killed by police, officials said.
Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were each shot twice and airlifted to hospitals but expected to be OK.
Laura Fay is a digital content producer at CBS News Philadelphia. Laura previously worked as a reporter, editor and audience director at The 74, a nonprofit news organization covering education.
Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police commissioner offer details on a shooting in York County that left three police officers dead. (Photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)
*This is a breaking news story. We’ll move quickly to provide the best information we have at the time.*
Three law enforcement officers were shot and killed in North Codorus Township, York County, on Wednesday during an investigation into a “domestic-related” incident that happened at a home there the previous day, state police said.
Two others were wounded and were in critical, but stable, condition Wednesday night. The suspect was killed by police, according to State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris.
As of 6:15 p.m. Wednesday evening, there was no active threat to the public, Paris said at a press conference.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to them, to the families of the deceased and the families of those officers who were wounded,” Paris said. “There are simply no words that I can offer to assuage the grief that this community has experienced, and unfortunately will continue to experience.”
The injured officers are being treated at WellSpan York Hospital. Paris did not share which law enforcement agencies the officers who were shot worked for, and noted that many details would not be made public until the investigation progresses.
It’s the second time a York County officer has been killed in the line of duty this year. In February, West York Patrolman Andrew Duarte was killed during a hostage situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, who made a speech against political violence last night in Pittsburgh at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, travelled to York County Wednesday.
“This kind of violence isn’t ok,” he said at a press conference. “We need to do better as a society. We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon, is the answer to resolving disputes. We need to do better when it comes to mental health.”
It was the deadliest single day for law enforcement in the commonwealth since the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police began keeping track on their fallen heroes page, which dates back to 2012. On April 4 2009, three officers were killed in a shooting in the Stanton Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh after responding to a domestic call. Two others were wounded.
Governor Josh Shapiro talks with Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris after a shooting in York County left three police officers dead on September 17, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)
The name of the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting was not released, but the incident took place near a home on Haar Road.
Phoebe Luckenbaugh, who lives several houses away from where the shooting happened, said the property with a farmhouse and a red barn close to the road was home to a young family.
Craig Zumbrum, who is listed in property records as the owner with his wife, Elizabeth, died in 2023. His widow and four children, including two teenagers, still live in the home and were often seen in the yard, Luckenbaugh said.
“They’re a nice normal country family,” she said, adding that she has no first-hand knowledge of what happened at the farm Wednesday. Since Craig Zumbrum’s death, a relative has raised crops on the farm for the family, Luckenbaugh said.
State Police are asking the public to avoid the scene.
Paris said that state police will lead the investigation, in collaboration with York County District Attorney Tim Barker. He added that state police have been in touch with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s office in Philadelphia.
“I can assure you that all of the resources of the Pennsylvania state police are being brought to bear,” Paris said. He added that, for the time, state police will be taking over calls for service for the Northern York County Regional Police Department.
Shapiro said he was contacted by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who he said “shared with me we have the full support of the federal government.”
“We so appreciate law enforcement at every level, and we of course appreciate our federal partners,” Shapiro added.
“Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable,” she wrote. “Pray for the officers involved.”
Attorney General Dave Sunday, who previously served as the York County District Attorney, said on social media that he was travelling to the county after hearing about the incident.
“Learning that three officers were killed in York County where I worked for many years as a prosecutor, and where I still call home, is unfathomable,” he said in a statement. “Having served alongside these officers, I know of their caliber, their professionalism and the lasting impact they had on our community. This loss is a heart-wrenching reminder of the sacrifices police officers and other first responders make every single day.”
Shapiro has ordered flags in the commonwealth to be flown at half-staff until the officers are interred. No date has been set yet.
The Pennsylvania Capital-Star’s Peter Hall contributed to this story.
Multiple police officers were shot in York County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday afternoon, officials say.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on social media he is on the way to a “situation involving law enforcement” in York County. In the post, he asks people in the area to follow guidance from state police and local officers.
The incident happened just after 2 p.m. near the 1800 block of Haar Road in North Codorus Township, south of York.
The hospital confirmed it is treating two people who are “in serious condition” related to the incident and said “enhanced security protocols” are in place at the facility.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on social media asked people to “please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County” and urged people to follow guidance from law enforcement.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he is on his way to the area as well.
Schools in the Spring Grove Area School District are also sheltering in place because of the incident, according to the district website. The move was made out of an abundance of caution, and no students or schools were involved, the message online says.
CBS News Philadelphia
The response to the officers’ injuries unfolded on a rural road that winds through an agricultural area not far from the Maryland state line.
Laura Fay is a digital content producer at CBS News Philadelphia. Laura previously worked as a reporter, editor and audience director at The 74, a nonprofit news organization covering education.
A 98-year-old Pennsylvania man had a dream come true.World War II veteran and former commercial pilot John Wolfe of York County, Pennsylvania, was back in the cockpit Friday morning.The flight was made possible by an AARP program called Wish of a Lifetime. Wolfe’s wish was to fly over his hometown.”I knew my time was running out, and it had to be done,” he said.The AARP program recognizes seniors who have volunteered in their communities. Country Meadows Retirement Village, where Wolfe lives, reached out to the organization. Wolfe sat in the copilot’s seat during the hour-long flight from York Airport.The pilot even handed him the controls.”He let me fly it. That was my thrill. I had the controls,” he said.Following the flight, there was a celebration with cake. But Wolfe said it will be tough to top his return to the sky.
THOMASVILLE, Pa. —
A 98-year-old Pennsylvania man had a dream come true.
World War II veteran and former commercial pilot John Wolfe of York County, Pennsylvania, was back in the cockpit Friday morning.
The flight was made possible by an AARP program called Wish of a Lifetime. Wolfe’s wish was to fly over his hometown.
“I knew my time was running out, and it had to be done,” he said.
The AARP program recognizes seniors who have volunteered in their communities. Country Meadows Retirement Village, where Wolfe lives, reached out to the organization.
Wolfe sat in the copilot’s seat during the hour-long flight from York Airport.
The pilot even handed him the controls.
“He let me fly it. That was my thrill. I had the controls,” he said.
Following the flight, there was a celebration with cake. But Wolfe said it will be tough to top his return to the sky.
York County sheriff candidates. top row, left to right: Heath Clevenger, Beth Bryant Tolson, Chris Blevins. Bottom row, left to right: Michael Belk and Tony Breeden
Herald file
York County SC
Republicans Michael Belk and Tony Breeden will head to a runoff on June 25 after leading all night in the competitive York County sheriff’s primary. The two were just a percentage point apart.
At 11:30 p.m, Belk had over 26% of the vote, with 24,285 votes cast and 99 out of 100 precincts reported. Breeden had over 25%.
The first-place finisher needed more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Because there’s no Democratic competition, the face-off between Belk and Breeden in two weeks will select the next sheriff to take office in January 2025.
The runoff pits Belk, the deputy chief at the Rock Hill Police Department, against Breeden, who retired from Rock Hill police in 2022.
Here were unofficial the results around 11:30 p.m., according to the S.C. Election Commission:
Belk, the first-place candidate, had over 26% of the vote
Second-place candidate Tony Breeden had over 25%
Beth Bryant Tolson had around 18%
Chris Blevins had 17%
Heath Clevenger had 12%.
Belk, 53, has worked for Rock Hill police for 31 years. He rose through the ranks to be second-in-command at a department with more than 200 employees.
Belk said around 11:30 p.m. he appreciated the support from the community and was honored to receive the most votes. Belk said he looks forward to the runoff.
“Our team still needs those voters who showed up today — and a lot more — to show up again on the 25th,” Belk said. “It’s clear that York County wants an experienced sheriff that is a proven leader and tough on crime.”
Breeden said he feels confident about being positioned for a runoff. He thanked those who voted for him Tuesday, and said a runoff will give voters a chance to look closer at the remaining candidates.
“Once they take a look at the candidates, I believe I will be the clear favorite,” Breeden said.
Meanwhile, Tolson, wife of current sheriff Kevin Tolson and daughter of former sheriff Bruce Bryant, trailed the top two candidates throughout the night. Retired deputy Blevins was close behind Tolson in fourth place.
In a statement to The Herald, Clevenger conceded he would not win or make a runoff late Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, tonight did not go the way we’d hoped it would,” Clevenger said. “Still, it was an honor getting to know the voters of York County in these past few months”
When asked who he would endorse if the race goes to runoff, Clevenger declined comment.
The sheriff earns $209,261 per year and serves a four-year term.
York County sheriff primary
The Republican winner is almost assured to win the November general election and take office in January because there are no Democratic or other party candidates.
Current sheriff Kevin Tolson filed for re-election March 18, but withdrew from the race when filing ended April 1 — when his wife filed for the job. He supported his wife’s bid for sheriff. State law allowed the party to extend filing because there was only one candidate left after the withdrawal of Kevin Tolson.
The sheriff’s office has than 300 employees in law enforcement and detention. The sheriff has countywide jurisdiction, but is separate from municipal police departments in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, Clover and Tega Cay. The annual budget for the sheriff’s office is around $55 million, York County documents show.
The sheriff’s office has its own lab for DNA and drugs and and other forensic testing, and operates units that include patrol, detectives, traffic, and other specialized services.
This story was originally published June 11, 2024, 8:06 PM.
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Andrew Dys covers breaking news and public safety for The Herald, where he has been a reporter and columnist since 2000. He has won 51 South Carolina Press Association awards for his coverage of crime, race, justice, and people. He is author of the book “Slice of Dys” and his work is in the U.S. Library of Congress.
Two drivers and a passenger died in a three-vehicle wreck in York County on Friday night, March 22, 2024, according to the South Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Dreamstime
TNS
Two drivers and a passenger died in a three-vehicle wreck in York County on Friday night, according to the South Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The collision happened about 6:30 p.m. on Saluda Road near S.C. 324, Lance Cpl. Nick Pye of the State Highway Patrol said Saturday.
The drivers of a westbound 2019 Nissan sedan and an eastbound 2018 Chevy sedan died after their vehicles collided, Pye said. One of two back-seat passengers in the Nissan also died, according to Pye. The other passenger was hospitalized, he said.
The impact also caused the Chevy sedan to to collide with a westbound 2018 Chevy SUV, Pye said. The SUV driver and a passenger weren’t hurt.
Authorities will continue to investigate the accident’s cause, Pye said.
York County Coroner Sabrina Gast hadn’t released the names of those killed by late Saturday morning.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
