The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced more details about the funeral arrangements for Corporal Timothy J. O’Connor Jr., who lost his life in the line of duty on Sunday, March 8.
The services will be held at St. Joseph Parish, 338 Manor Avenue in Downingtown. Public viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18th, at the same location; however, this service, along with the burial service, will be closed to media and the general public.
Corporal O’Connor had responded to a report of an erratic driver in the area of Walnut Road and Compass Road in Honey Brook Township, Chester County. Corporal O’Connor located the vehicle within minutes and initiated a traffic stop at approximately 8:24 p.m. near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township, Chester County. As Corporal O’Connor approached the vehicle, the driver immediately opened fire from inside the vehicle, striking the 15-year PSP veteran from the driver’s side of the vehicle.
The gunman then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance, and fatally shot himself with a semi-automatic pistol. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Corporal O’Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The gunman has been identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, age 32, of Honey Brook, Chester County.
Corporal O’Connor was assigned to Troop J, Embreeville Station, and enlisted in the PSP in September 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Troop J, Avondale, and in October 2016, he joined their Criminal Investigation Unit. In March 2022, he transferred to Troop J, Embreeville, and in July 2022, was promoted to corporal and continued serving at Troop J, Embreeville. Corporal O’Connor was 40 years old and became the 105th member of the PSP to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in the line of duty. Corporal O’Connor leaves behind a wife and daughter.
