JONESTOWN, Pa. – The suspect involved in the fatal attempt to serve a search warrant in a Lebanon County child sexual abuse material investigation has been identified.
The suspect was identified as John W. McDowell, 47, according to a press release from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
Police say on Wednesday, January 28, at approximately 6 a.m., PSP Troopers attempted to serve a search warrant at a home located in the first block of Gable Drive in Jackson Township. The warrant was in relation to a child sexual abuse material investigation.
According to a release of the arrest warrant, investigators received multiple tips through a tip line alleging that McDowell was exchanging inappropriate messages and images with minors on a messaging app and may have possessed child sexual abuse material.
The warrant says the tips indicated the activity occurred under several usernames on multiple occasions, which investigators were able to associate with one individual and trace to an IP address believed to be linked to McDowell.
When entering the house, Troopers were confronted by the suspect of the investigation which resulted in police discharging their firearms.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lebanon County Coroner’s Office.
Officials say no Troopers were injured.
Due to the active investigation, police say no additional details of the incident will be released at this time.
In accordance with standard Pennsylvania State Police policy, the involved Troopers have been placed on administrative duty, according to the release.