A Pennsylvania State Police corporal was shot and killed Sunday night during a traffic stop in West Caln Township.
“My heart breaks for Tim and Casey’s young daughter and their entire family,” the governor added, “May his memory be a blessing.”
Police said the trooper responded Sunday evening to a report of an erratic driver near Walnut Road and Compass Road in Honey Brook Township in Chester County. After locating the vehicle, he initiated a traffic stop at about 8:24 p.m. near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township.
As he approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, the suspect immediately opened fire from inside the car, hitting O’Connor.
The suspect then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance away, and shot himself with a semi-automatic pistol. Authorities identified the man as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook, Chester County. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
O’Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
“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 Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens. “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.”
O’Connor, who joined the agency in 2010, later served in the Criminal Investigation Unit in Troop J, Avondale, beginning in October 2016. He transferred to Troop J’s Embreeville station in March 2022 and was promoted to corporal later that year.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, O’Connor became the 105th member of the department to die in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and daughter.