The Pennsylvania State Police is honoring a trooper killed in the line of duty Sunday night during a traffic stop in Chester County.
Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., 40, died after being shot while approaching a vehicle during a traffic stop, according to state police. Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in O’Connor’s honor.
O’Connor was assigned to Troop J at the Embreeville station and enlisted in the state police in September 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class. After graduating, he was assigned to Troop J in Avondale. In October 2016, he joined the troop’s Criminal Investigation Unit.
He later transferred to Troop J in Embreeville in March 2022 and was promoted to corporal in July 2022, continuing to serve there. O’Connor, a 15-year veteran of the force, became the 105th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to die in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
“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 George Bivens, lieutenant colonel and acting commissioner of the agency. “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.”
Shapiro also expressed condolences and directed that flags across the commonwealth be lowered.
“Pennsylvania tragically lost one of our finest when State Police Corporal Tim O’Connor was killed in the line of duty,” Shapiro said. “My heart breaks for Corporal O’Connor’s wife Casey, their young daughter and their entire family. Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners.”
According to investigators, O’Connor responded to a report of an erratic driver in the area of Walnut Road and Compass Road in Honey Brook Township. He located the vehicle within minutes and initiated a traffic stop at about 8:24 p.m. near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township.
As O’Connor approached the vehicle, the driver opened fire from inside the vehicle, striking the trooper. Authorities said the gunman then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance and fatally shot himself with a semi-automatic pistol.
The suspect was identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook in Chester County. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
O’Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident remains under investigation by the PSP Troop J Major Case Team and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
Discover more from UC Today Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
