Title: Two State Troopers Shot, One Fatally, in Central Pennsylvania Shootout
Subtitle: Suspect opens fire on police vehicles, leading to a multi-scene gunfight
Date: June 19, 2023
In a tragic incident in central Pennsylvania, two state troopers were shot, one fatally, during a multi-scene shootout with a suspect who targeted police vehicles outside a police barracks. The intense confrontation unfolded in Mifflintown, a town located approximately 150 miles west of Philadelphia.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Brandon Stine, arrived at the barracks on Saturday morning in his pickup truck. Without warning, Stine exited the vehicle and began firing shots from a long rifle into marked police cars. The Pennsylvania State Police commissioner, Col. Christopher Paris, revealed these details during a news conference held on Sunday.
Following the attack, Stine fled the scene in his truck, triggering a wide manhunt that involved helicopter support. Later that afternoon, State Trooper Lt. James Wagner located Stine, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Unfortunately, Wagner was critically injured when a bullet from Stine’s weapon struck him. Multiple citizens and witnesses who arrived at the scene provided aid to Lt. Wagner and used the radio in his car to call for additional troopers and emergency medical services.
Lt. Wagner was initially transported to Lewistown Hospital and later airlifted to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition on Sunday. Tragically, another state trooper, 29-year-old Jacques F. Rougeau Jr., encountered Stine while driving on the outskirts of the borough. Stine fired through Rougeau’s windshield, fatally striking him.
Described as a “game of cat and mouse,” Stine managed to escape once again and sought refuge in a rural residential area in Walker Township. Authorities pursued Stine through the residential area and a parking lot, where he engaged in another shootout with the police. The parking lot was occupied by patrons of a nearby store, adding to the intensity of the situation. Lt. Colonel George Givens, speaking at the news conference, described the gunfight as one of the most intense and unbelievable he had ever witnessed.
Ultimately, police cornered Stine when he became trapped against a row of trees on a nearby property. In the ensuing confrontation, Stine was shot and killed by law enforcement officers. The swift and decisive action of the troopers ensured the safety of the nearby business and its patrons.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences and ordered all Commonwealth flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Trooper Rougeau. Governor Shapiro also visited Lt. Wagner in the hospital, commending both troopers for their bravery and dedication to protecting their fellow troopers and Pennsylvanians.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily while working to maintain public safety. The Pennsylvania State Police and local authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and gather further details surrounding the shootout.
How can law enforcement agencies ensure the safety of officers during high-risk situations like the shootout with Stine?
Opportunity to apprehend Stine.
Meanwhile, other troopers responded to the call and engaged in a gunfight with Stine at a nearby intersection. During the exchange, Trooper Richard Allen was shot and killed. The shootout continued as troopers and additional law enforcement agencies surrounded Stine, who continued to fire at them.
The gunfight eventually came to an end when Stine was shot and killed by officers. His motive for targeting police vehicles and opening fire on law enforcement officials is not yet known.
The tragic incident left the Pennsylvania State Police devastated by the loss of Trooper Allen and the critical injury of Lt. Wagner. Col. Paris expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the troopers and acknowledged the bravery and heroism displayed by all law enforcement officials involved in the incident.
The investigation into the shootout is ongoing and is being conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and other relevant agencies. They are working diligently to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the events leading up to and during the shootout.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf expressed his condolences and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement officers and ensuring their safety while carrying out their duties.
As the community mourns the loss of Trooper Allen and prays for the recovery of Lt. Wagner, support and gratitude pour in from across the state and country. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers law enforcement officials face every day to protect and serve their communities.
The tragic shootout in central Pennsylvania serves to underscore the need for continued efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of all law enforcement officials as they carry out their essential duties.
This is truly heartbreaking news. My condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the state trooper who lost their life in the line of duty. It is a stark reminder of the courageous and dangerous work that our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep our communities safe.
It is deeply distressing to see incidents like this unfold, where those who dedicate their lives to protecting others tragically lose their own. This loss serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices our brave men and women in uniform make to safeguard our society.
I commend the professionalism and bravery exhibited by the state trooper in their final moments, putting their life on the line to protect others. Their selflessness and commitment to the safety and well-being of the people they serve should be celebrated and remembered.
It is imperative that we stand together as a community and support our law enforcement agencies during these difficult times. It is through unity and cooperation that we can make progress in ensuring the safety of both officers and civilians.
May this tragic incident serve as a reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face daily and the need to appreciate and respect their dedication and service. Together, let us honor the memory of the fallen state trooper and support those who continue to protect us, risking their lives to uphold justice.