A state trooper shot and killed a knife-wielding Old Forge man early Wednesday after a high-speed chase and foot pursuit, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Charles Brandon Costanzo, 34, of Old Forge succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene following the shooting, according to state police.
Troopers responded to the area of Mansfield University around 6 a.m. Wednesday to assist Mansfield police with a foot pursuit. They were looking for a man, identified as Costanzo, who was a suspect in multiple robberies in New York.
Costanzo had fled from New York police, eluding officers in a high-speed chase that ended in the Mansfield area, according to state police. The pursuit ended when troopers rammed Costanzo’s vehicle, forcing him to stop around Route 6 near Route 549 in Richmond Twp. He then fled into the woods, prompting troopers to release a “be on the lookout” notice cautioning residents to be vigilant and ensure their vehicles and homes were locked.
At about 6:19 a.m., officers with the Mansfield Borough, Mansfield University and state police converged on Costanzo’s location on Wilson Avenue in Mansfield.
Costanzo ignored multiple commands and advanced toward police carrying an open pocketknife in his right hand, according to state police.
As he continued to approach police, a state trooper opened fire, shooting Costanzo with a pistol, according to a news release.
First responders immediately rendered first aid, but Costanzo succumbed to his injuries; the Tioga County deputy coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.
All state troopers involved are now on administrative leave following department regulations, according to state police.
Pennsylvania State Police and the Tioga County district attorney’s office are jointly investigating the incident.
A surveillance image of Charles Brandon Costanzo. (COURTESY OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE)