Trooper Shoots Man Who Fired At Police In Chester County

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A Chester County state trooper shot an armed, unidentified man after the man fired at police while the man's northern Chester County home was on fire, officials said Wednesday.

The trooper is on administrative duty while Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan's office and the Pennsylvania State Police Internal Affairs Division conduct an investigation to determine if the shooting was warranted.

The man is in critical condition in Reading Hospital, and his house was destroyed in the fire, according to state troopers.

Troopers from the Embreeville station were called to a fire at 7:30 a.m. Monday at 42 Isabella Road, West Natmeal Township.

According to state police:

When the troopers arrived, they observed a homeowner standing in the driveway holding a firearm, and numerous gunshots were heard. The suspect did not obey verbal commands from the police.

A trooper discharged one round from his department-issued patrol rifle, striking the suspect in the hand and leg.

After the suspect fell to the ground, troopers and local officers began rendering aid.

A loaded, silver revolver handgun, with live ammunition, was located on the ground near the suspect.

There were no injuries sustained to troopers, local police officers, first responders, or the public.

The Troop J major case team responded to the scene and is investigating this incident with the assistance of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

The state police were assisted by Chester County detectives, and Honeybrook, West Brandywine East Brandywine, Sadsbury, and West Sadsbury police departments.

Twin Valley, Honeybrook, Glenmoore, Ludwigs Corner, Geigertown, East Brandywine, Wagontown, Gordonville, Caernarvon, and Elverson fire companies put out the blaze. Honey Brook and Tower Health Emergency Management Services were at the scene.

Anyone who has information relative to the investigation is asked to contact the criminal investigation unit at the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J, Lancaster at 717-299-7650, or the Chester County District Attorney’s Office at 610-344-6866.