Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were wounded and a suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire on a highway in Franklin County Wednesday evening, state police said.
In a statement, police said the troopers responded to a theft at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Guilford Township, just outside Chambersburg, at about 6:11 p.m. Chambersburg is about 25 miles west of Gettysburg.
Officials say the suspects fled onto Interstate 81 in a gold Chevrolet Express van. In a press conference on Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Commissioner Christopher Paris said a pursuit began when the troopers saw the suspects’ van on the highway. Troopers put down spike strips, which stopped the vehicle at exit 3 near Greencastle.
Troopers attempted a traffic stop, and that’s when the gunfight happened, Paris said.
Two women who were in the van obeyed troopers’ orders to get out of the vehicle and were taken into custody, but the statement said that a man suspect opened fire on the troopers and hit two of them. Troopers shot back and killed the suspect.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, deputy commissioner of operations, identified the man as Lamar Foy, 31, from Baltimore, Maryland. The two women, both 21 years old, are also from Baltimore.
Bivens said it was a third trooper, who was not hurt, who fatally shot Foy.
The wounded troopers were rushed to Wellspan York Hospital. One of the troopers, identified as Thomas Pack, 23, was treated and released Thursday morning and is recovering at home. The other trooper, Lucas Amarose, 31, underwent hours of surgery and is listed in serious condition at the hospital, Paris said.
In a post on social media, Gov. Josh Shapiro said he and his wife were praying for the troopers.
Pack and Amarose represent the seventh and eighth Pennsylvania state troopers shot in the 34 months Paris has been commissioner, he said. He also said that since Aug. 7, the troopers represent the eighth and ninth law enforcement officers shot in Pennsylvania.
“I spoke to both of them. They were conscious, in very good spirits, and I can’t say enough about how they performed during this incident,” Paris said. “It’s with a great sense of pride that I say that, and it’s with great sense of thankfulness that we are not here planning two line of duty funerals.”
There was a search warrant on the van, and police found large amounts of drugs, paraphernalia, cash and stolen merchandise inside. Bivens said he believes this incident could be part of a larger crime pattern.
Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink said he and his team reviewed the evidence and video of the incident and determined that troopers’ use of force in this case was “100% justified” and necessary. The suspect fired a handgun at officers multiple times, he said.
Paris mentioned that the gun Foy used was stolen since Sept. 29 from Maryland.
In a post on social media, Gov. Josh Shapiro said he and his wife were praying for the troopers.
In a statement, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President Stephen Polishan said, “Please join the PSTA in praying for these brave troopers and their families. Each day, the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work prepared to give their last full measure. We can never thank them enough for their incredible bravery.”
Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Joseph Regan said in a statement, “These Troopers showed the kind of bravery and selflessness that defines the Pennsylvania State Police. We’re grateful they’re receiving the care they need and pray for their full recovery. The PA FOP stands united in support of the injured Troopers, their families and all who serve with honor.”
Pennsylvania State Police are conducting a joint investigation with the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office and the state police major case team.
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