A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed Sunday night during a traffic stop in Chester County. The trooper has been identified as Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., 40, a 15-year veteran. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.Shooting detailsO’Connor responded to a call for an erratic driver in the Honey Brook area in West Caln Township around 8:15 p.m., according to Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police George L. Bivens. At 8:26 p.m., O’Connor located and stopped the vehicle in the area of Route 10 and Michael Road.”He made a radio transmission indicating that he was stopping the vehicle. That is the last we heard from Corporal O’Connor.” Bivens said during a news conference, “A patrol responded immediately to check on his well-being and found a very bad situation.”Bivens said when O’Connor went up to the driver’s side window, he was shot by the suspect. The suspect then got out of the car, walked a short distance and took his own life.State police identified the gunman as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook, Chester County.Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe says they will be looking into the suspect’s background and potential motive as the investigation continues.Police procession, flags to half-staffPolice officers led a procession with O’Connor’s body from the hospital to the Chester County Government Services Center. “They put their lives on the line every day … all who put on a uniform,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said.Shapiro ordered flags at half-staff on Monday in O’Connor’s honor.StatementsThe Pennsylvania State Troopers Association released this statement from President Stephen Polishan:”Losing a Trooper is a tragedy for all members of the Pennsylvania State Police, past and present. It is a deep and profound loss because he is our brother. It reminds us how dangerous this job is and that something as simple as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Corporal Tim O’Connor lived his life with honor, bravery and integrity. We will never allow his memory to fade because heroes are eternal. His wife, Casey, and young daughter will forever be part of our family. Please join us in praying for Corporal O’Connor and his beautiful family.”The Fraternal Order of Police – Pennsylvania State Lodge released this statement from President Joseph Regan:”We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Tim O’Connor, who was performing one of the most routine and most dangerous duties in law enforcement when he made the ultimate sacrifice.”Behind every badge is a person who swore an oath to serve and protect, knowing that each shift carries risks most people will never fully understand. Cpl. O’Connor answered that call with courage and dedication, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement face protecting their communities. We ask the public to keep Cpl. O’Connor’s family, friends, and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police in their prayers.”
WEST CALN TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed Sunday night during a traffic stop in Chester County.
The trooper has been identified as Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., 40, a 15-year veteran. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
Pennsylvania State Police
Shooting details
O’Connor responded to a call for an erratic driver in the Honey Brook area in West Caln Township around 8:15 p.m., according to Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police George L. Bivens. At 8:26 p.m., O’Connor located and stopped the vehicle in the area of Route 10 and Michael Road.
WCAU
Shooting scene in West Caln Township.
“He made a radio transmission indicating that he was stopping the vehicle. That is the last we heard from Corporal O’Connor.” Bivens said during a news conference, “A patrol responded immediately to check on his well-being and found a very bad situation.”
Bivens said when O’Connor went up to the driver’s side window, he was shot by the suspect. The suspect then got out of the car, walked a short distance and took his own life.
State police identified the gunman as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook, Chester County.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe says they will be looking into the suspect’s background and potential motive as the investigation continues.
Police procession, flags to half-staff
Police officers led a procession with O’Connor’s body from the hospital to the Chester County Government Services Center.
“They put their lives on the line every day … all who put on a uniform,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
Shapiro ordered flags at half-staff on Monday in O’Connor’s honor.
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Tonight, Pennsylvania tragically lost one of our finest when State Police Corporal Tim O’Connor was killed in the line of duty.
I was at Paoli Hospital this evening with Corporal O’Connor’s wife Casey and his parents Maureen and Tim. My heart breaks for Tim and Casey’s young…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) March 9, 2026
Statements
The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association released this statement from President Stephen Polishan:
“Losing a Trooper is a tragedy for all members of the Pennsylvania State Police, past and present. It is a deep and profound loss because he is our brother. It reminds us how dangerous this job is and that something as simple as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Corporal Tim O’Connor lived his life with honor, bravery and integrity. We will never allow his memory to fade because heroes are eternal. His wife, Casey, and young daughter will forever be part of our family. Please join us in praying for Corporal O’Connor and his beautiful family.”
The Fraternal Order of Police – Pennsylvania State Lodge released this statement from President Joseph Regan:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Tim O’Connor, who was performing one of the most routine and most dangerous duties in law enforcement when he made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Behind every badge is a person who swore an oath to serve and protect, knowing that each shift carries risks most people will never fully understand. Cpl. O’Connor answered that call with courage and dedication, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement face protecting their communities. We ask the public to keep Cpl. O’Connor’s family, friends, and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police in their prayers.”