Two Pennsylvania Troopers Wounded, Suspect Killed in Highway Shootout
Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were wounded and one suspect was killed following a shooting on Interstate 81 in Franklin County yesterday evening, marking the latest in a string of incidents involving gunfire directed at Pennsylvania law enforcement.
The incident began around 6:11 p.m. when troopers responded to a reported theft at a Dick’s Sporting Goods in Guilford Township, near Chambersburg. Suspects fled in a gold Chevrolet Express van, leading troopers onto Interstate 81. After deploying spike strips to disable the vehicle near exit 3 in Greencastle, a shootout erupted as troopers attempted a traffic stop. According to Pennsylvania State Police Col. Commissioner Christopher Paris, two women in the van complied with orders to exit, but a man – later identified as Lamar Foy, 31, of Baltimore, Maryland – opened fire on the troopers.
Troopers returned fire, fatally shooting Foy. One trooper, Thomas Pack, 23, was treated and released from Wellspan York Hospital this morning and is recovering at home. The other wounded trooper, Lucas Amarose, 31, underwent surgery and remains in serious condition. “I spoke to both of them. They were conscious, in very good spirits, and I can’t say enough about how they performed during this incident,” Paris said. A search of the van revealed a significant amount of drugs, paraphernalia, cash, and stolen merchandise, suggesting a potential connection to a larger criminal operation. You can find more information about Pennsylvania law enforcement resources at the Pennsylvania State Police website.
Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink stated his office reviewed evidence and video of the incident and determined the troopers’ use of force was “100% justified,” noting the suspect fired a handgun at officers multiple times. The shooting is part of a concerning trend; Commissioner Paris noted this is the seventh and eighth time troopers have been shot in the last 34 months, and the eighth and ninth law enforcement officers shot in Pennsylvania since August 7. The incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily, as highlighted by the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Pennsylvania State Police are continuing their investigation in conjunction with the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office and the state police major case team.
