CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A Pennsylvania State Police corporal was killed in the line of duty Sunday night during a traffic stop.
Cpl. Timothy O’Connor Jr. had pulled over an erratic driver around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township when he approached the vehicle and someone inside “immediately” opened fire at O’Connor, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
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The gunman then got out of the vehicle, walked a short distance and fatally shot himself with a semi-automatic pistol. Troopers said the gunman—identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook, Chester County—was pronounced dead at the scene.
O’Connor was taken to Paoli Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
PSP cadet graduation photo of fallen trooper Timothy O’Connor. He was a member of the 131st cadet class and is the 105th Pennsylvania State Police trooper to have made the ultimate sacrifice. (Credit: Pennsylvania State Police)
“Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners. I’ve directed flags across our Commonwealth to be lowered Monday in honor of Corporal O’Connor. May his memory be a blessing,” Gov. Josh Shapiro wrote in a social media post.
O’Connor enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police in September of 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class. He was promoted in 2022 to corporal of the Embreeville station and ultimately became the 105th member of Pennsylvania State Police to lose his life in the line of duty.
O’Connor leaves behind a wife and daughter, state police said.
“This is a tragic day for all of us. We have lost a dear member of our family, a hero and member of the Pennsylvania State Police,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Our hearts remain with Corporal O’Connor’s wife, daughter, and family. We ask for everyone’s continued prayers to help them during this devastating time.”
The investigation is being led by Pennsylvania State Police and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
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