NORTH CODORUS, Pa. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded in southern Pennsylvania when a suspected stalker, 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, ambushed police officers with a rifle after hiding inside his ex-girlfriend's home. This violent encounter resulted in the deaths of three officers during a shootout, according to York County District Attorney Tim Barker.
The horrific event began when the ex-girlfriend and her mother reported Ruth's suspicious behavior, believing he had been stalking them. After their pickup truck was set ablaze in August — an incident the ex-girlfriend suspected Ruth was behind — they installed a trail camera to monitor their property. Nearly a month later, the camera captured an alarming image of Ruth peering through a scope into their house, prompting them to call the police.
When officers arrived on the scene on Tuesday night, they were unable to locate Ruth, leading the ex-girlfriend and her mother to flee to safety. The following day, police returned to the residence using a drone to search the property, which included farm buildings. Upon discovering the front door was unlocked — despite it being locked before their initial departure — four plainclothes detectives from the Northern York County Regional Police Department entered the house. Almost immediately, they were met with gunfire from Ruth, who was armed with an AR-style rifle equipped with a suppressor.
The gunfire tragically claimed the lives of Detectives Cody Becker, Mark Baker, and Isaiah Emenheiser, who were at the door. Another officer was seriously injured after engaging with Ruth outside the house. The subsequent gunfight led to police returning fire, killing Ruth on the spot. The wounded officer was reported to be in critical but stable condition following the incident.
Detective Baker, 53, had dedicated 21 years to law enforcement, while Detective Becker, 39, had served for 16 years, and Detective Emenheiser, 43, had 20 years of service. Barker remarked on their commitment and professionalism, emphasizing the significant loss to the community and the police department.
The incident is noted as one of the deadliest days for law enforcement in Pennsylvania this century, matching a similar case in 2009 when three officers were ambushed by a domestic violence suspect. In light of the tragedy, a vigil was held in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, where hundreds gathered to pay their respects. Attendees expressed their sorrow through prayers, hymns, and messages honoring the fallen officers.
After the shooting, investigators returned to Ruth's home in Hanover, about 10 miles from the ambush location. They collected several bags of potential evidence, including details revealing Ruth's careful surveillance of the ex-girlfriend's home prior to the attack. It was reported that he had even killed the family dog upon entering the residence.
Community responses included tributes in various forms, from flowers placed outside the headquarters of the Northern York County Regional Police Department to processions led by local law enforcement in honor of their fallen comrades. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke about the underlying issues of domestic violence that led to the tragic deaths, urging for societal change regarding attitudes towards gun violence and conflict resolution.
This shocking event underscores the pervasive issue of domestic violence and its potential consequences, not just for victims but also for law enforcement engaged in protecting communities.
