State trooper shot during traffic stop

The (Allentown) Morning Call

Pennsylvania State Police said a trooper was shot Tuesday morning near Allentown in Northampton County, prompting a massive pursuit south to Easton Hospital, where police said they apprehended a suspect.

The trooper was shot during a traffic stop about 10:40 a.m. on Route 33 near the intersection with Route 191 in Plainfield Township, according to state police.

The corporal, whose name has not been released, was outside his vehicle when he exchanged gunfire with the driver of a vehicle.

The trooper was flown to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

The suspect fled the scene in a blue Pontiac sedan and drove himself to Easton Hospital, where he was taken into police custody. The suspect was being treated at the hospital for gunshot wounds. Wilson police Chief Steven Parkansky said the suspect was later transferred to another hospital by ambulance.

At least a dozen officers were at Easton Hospital, and a bright blue Pontiac was parked near a hospital door and marked with police tape.

District Attorney John Morganelli confirmed that a trooper was shot and taken to the hospital.

“All I know is that a state trooper was shot at a traffic stop and that he’s being attended to,” Mr. Morganelli said.

A reporter with The Morning Call was in Mr. Morganelli’s office when the district attorney was delivered the news by a secretary bearing a note. Mr. Morganelli’s face grew pale as he read its contents.

According to emergency radio dispatches, police were attempting to locate a second occupant of the vehicle.

Gov. Tom Wolf released the following statement:

“Frances and I are praying for this trooper, the family and every member of the Pennsylvania State Police. This senseless act of violence is a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by all our brave men and women in uniform. Across Pennsylvania, our troopers are keeping communities safe by putting themselves in harm’s way. We must never forget that. I ask all Pennsylvanians to join us in keeping all those affected, especially the corporal, in their thoughts today.”