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Paoli Today
By the People, for the People
Pennsylvania State Trooper Killed in Traffic Stop Shooting
Authorities say the trooper was shot and killed by the driver he had pulled over.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed by a suspect he had pulled over in a traffic stop on Sunday night, according to authorities. The shooter then got out of the car, walked a short distance away, and shot and killed himself with a pistol.
Why it matters
The tragic incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face during routine traffic stops and the need for continued efforts to improve officer safety and de-escalation tactics.
The details
Cpl. Tim O'Connor was killed as he approached the car when the driver fired from inside the vehicle, according to Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police. O'Connor had been on patrol when a call came in for an erratic driver, and he was dispatched to the scene.
- The incident occurred on Sunday night.
- O'Connor was killed as he approached the car during the traffic stop.
The players
Cpl. Tim O'Connor
A Pennsylvania State Police trooper who was shot and killed during a traffic stop.
Lt. Col. George Bivens
The acting police commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, who provided details about the incident at a news conference.
The shooter
The driver of the car that Cpl. O'Connor had pulled over, who shot and killed the trooper and then took his own life.
What they’re saying
“That is the last we heard from Corporal O'Connor.”
— Lt. Col. George Bivens, Acting Police Commissioner, Pennsylvania State Police (ksgf.com)
What’s next
The Pennsylvania State Police and Chester County authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
The takeaway
This tragic event underscores the risks that law enforcement officers face in their daily duties and the need for ongoing efforts to improve officer safety and de-escalation tactics during traffic stops and other interactions with the public.
