The York County district attorney identified the three men who were killed in a shootout Wednesday when responding to a domestic violence call.

YORK, Pa. — A gunman killed three police officers and injured two others in a shootout Wednesday afternoon in North Codorus Township, York County. The officers were responding to the home of the shooter’s ex-girlfriend’s mother as part of a search in order to serve the man a warrant on charges of stalking and trespassing. 

The gunman died during the ambush, who officials have identified as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth.


Here’s what we know about the officers

At a press conference Thursday afternoon, York County District Attorney Tim Barker identified the three fallen officers as:

Detective Sgt. Cody BeckerDetective Mark BakerDetective Isaiah Emenheiser

On Thursday night, the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers identified one of the two injured officers as:



Barker said that a fourth Northern York County Regional Police Department detective and a deputy sheriff from the York County Sheriff’s office were shot and left critically injured. 

It was later announced by the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers (NAPCH) that one of their “Mater Trainers,” Lt. David Godfrey is one of the officers in critical, but stable condition. He is a member of the York County Sheriff’s Department.

In consideration of the wounded officers’ privacy, officials did not provide the names of the fourth detective and deputy sheriff. 

Autopsies on the three officers who were killed are pending. Barker said that he was not ready to commit to saying whether Ruth was killed by police or a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He said that following the exchange of fire with officers, he was deceased.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday also spoke during Thursday’s briefing. “I pray for the families who are dealing with unfathomable loss, and our hearts remain with the two families who received the call about their loves ones being seriously injured,” Sunday said. 

Sunday said that he was part of the procession that transported the fallen officers to the York County Coroner’s Office. He said that he was moved by the amount of people who lined the streets to watch the procession go by. 

York County Sheriff Richard Keuerleber said at Thursday’s briefing that the deputy sheriff who was wounded in Wednesday’s shooting is currently in surgery as of 4 p.m.

Northern York County Regional Chief David Lash said that the three detectives’ deaths are a stark reminder of the danger police put themselves in for their community. “They knowingly place themselves in harm’s way,” Lash said. “For that, we are forever indebted to them and their families.”

Barker, who at times got emotion during the press conference, said of the officers: “You ran the race. You fought more than a good fight. You fought the critical fight for us. Job well done. Mission well served. And we will love you forever and all eternity.”

Officials said that an official donation portal will be established shortly, to ensure that all donations go directly to the families. 

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said at an unrelated event in Allentown Thursday morning that the prognosis of the two wounded officers was good. “They’re expected to make a full recovery and expected to have a long road ahead,” Shapiro said. 

RELATED: What we know about the person who shot five police officers in York County 

Gov. Shapiro ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen officers. The flags are to remain at half-staff until the three officers are interred.Â