WALKER TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania — A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed during a violent shootout with a wanted gunman on Tuesday afternoon, state police officials confirmed. A lieutenant was also critically wounded during the hours-long multi-county manhunt.
The series of events began at approximately 11:00 a.m. when an unidentified male suspect drove into the parking lot of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop G, Lewistown Station. Utilizing a large-caliber hunting rifle, the suspect opened fire on several unoccupied patrol vehicles before fleeing the scene. While law enforcement units initiated a search, the suspect placed multiple calls to 911 dispatchers.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., the suspect encountered a Pennsylvania State Police lieutenant in Mifflintown Borough. The suspect opened fire, critically wounding the lieutenant before escaping again. Shortly before 3:00 p.m., authorities located the suspect at a shopping center in Walker Township. The man fled into a nearby wooded area near the intersection of Swamp Road and Baumgardner Drive.
Trooper Jay Rougeau and other responding units pursued the suspect into the woods, where an exchange of gunfire ensued. Both Trooper Rougeau and the suspect were killed during the shootout shortly after 3:00 p.m. The wounded lieutenant remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Trooper Rougeau had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for nearly three years. He is survived by his wife, mother, sister, brother, a niece, and two nephews. The investigation into the active shooter incident and subsequent ambush remains ongoing by state authorities.