Investigation Into Fatal Officer-Involved Pottstown Shooting Concludes: See Details

POTTSTOWN, PA — The officer who shot and killed a man who had already shot another officer during an incident in Pottstown was justified in his use of force, the Montgomery County District Attorney's office determined after a lengthy investigation.

All officer-involved shootings are investigated by the DA's office to clear the use of force. Officials said they conducted numerous interviews with officers and witnesses, and reviewed police bodycam footage from the day of the shooting.

The incident occurred on Sunday, April 6 at around 5:06 p.m.

Pottstown police had originally responded to a one-vehicle crash on Beech and N. Mount Vernon streets. When they arrived and discovered a handgun in the front seat, the driver, 25-year-old Andrew Ecker, fled the scene on foot, police said.

Ecker barricaded himself inside his nearby home and began firing on approaching officers with a second firearm, according to the DA. He eventually struck a Pottstown police officer in the shoulder, officials said.

See original story: Man Killed After Shooting Officer, Barricading Himself: Montco DA

Montgomery County SWAT West team and police from around the region descended on the home, and nearby residents were evacuated.

Negotiators spoke with Ecker in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and get him to turn himself in. Ecker told negotiators that he planned to shoot more officers, the DA said.

Ecker appeared in the doorway of the home at 9:46 p.m., and he was shot dead by a SWAT team member, authorities said.

“This was a dangerous situation that left one police officer shot and ended after a lengthy standoff,” DA Kevin Steele said in a statement. “Our investigation determined the facts of this case supported the use of deadly force by police officers.”

Ecker had been using a stolen Sig Sauer semi-automatic firearm which was later recovered by officers inside the home.