Pa. State Trooper fatally shot during traffic stop in Chester Co., authorities say

West Caln Twp., Pa. (WPVI) — A Pennsylvania State Police Corporal was shot and killed in the line of duty in Chester County Sunday night.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was joined by law enforcement officials outside of Paoli Hospital in paying tribute to Cpl. Timothy O’Connor.

Lt. Colonel George Bivens says O’Connor responded to a call to investigate an erratic driver just after 8 p.m. in Honey Brook.

O’Connor stopped that vehicle the intersection of Compass Road and Michael Road in West Caln Township.

Bivens says O’Connor made a radio call indicating the stop, but did not respond to calls to check on him.

Officers in the area immediately responded and found the situation investigators are calling murder-suicide.

Bivens says within seconds of approaching the stopped vehicle, the driver opened fire, killing O’Connor at the scene.

Investigators say the driver then got out of the vehicle and fatally shot himself.

Authorities tell Action News that officers responded to the scene when the trooper called for backup after shots were fired.

Bivens say O’Connor is a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police.

He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.

Governor Shapiro has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of O’Connor.

Chester County District Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe says the county is assisting with the investigation.

Officials are not releasing the name of the suspect at this time, but say he is a 32-year-old man from Chester County.

They will now be investigating his background and motives, according to de Barrena-Sarobe.

Compass Road is closed between Hill and Lammey Roads as police continue with their investigation.