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 man he had pulled over in a traffic stop on Sunday night, according to authorities. The shooter, identified as 32-year-old Jesse Nathan Elks, then got out of the car, walked a short distance away, and shot and killed himself with a pistol.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face during routine traffic stops and the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety of both officers and the public. It also raises questions about the shooter's motives and background that investigators will seek to uncover.

The details

Corporal Tim O'Connor, a 15-year veteran of the state police, was patrolling on Sunday night when he responded to a call about an erratic driver. O'Connor pulled the car over at an intersection in West Caln Township, about 45 miles west of Philadelphia. When O'Connor approached the vehicle, the driver, Jesse Nathan Elks, opened fire, fatally shooting the trooper. Elks then exited the car, walked a short distance away, and took his own life with a pistol.

  • Corporal O'Connor was patrolling shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2026 when he responded to the call about an erratic driver.
  • O'Connor reported that he had pulled over the car at an intersection in West Caln Township, but did not respond to subsequent radio calls.
  • Troopers dispatched to check on O'Connor found him fatally shot.

The players

Corporal Tim O'Connor

A 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police who was married and had a young daughter.

Jesse Nathan Elks

A 32-year-old man from Honey Brook, Pennsylvania who shot and killed Corporal O'Connor before taking his own life.

Lt. Col. George Bivens

The acting Pennsylvania State Police commissioner who spoke at a news conference about the incident.

Gov. Josh Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania who ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Corporal O'Connor.

Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe

The Chester County district attorney who said investigators will look into Elks' background and motives.

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What they’re saying

“Anybody you talk to tells you what a great guy he was.”

— Lt. Col. George Bivens, Acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner

“That is a noble calling and that is something we are profoundly grateful for.”

— Gov. Josh Shapiro

What’s next

Investigators will look into the background and motives of Jesse Nathan Elks as they continue to investigate this tragic incident.

The takeaway

This case underscores the inherent dangers that law enforcement officers face when conducting routine traffic stops, and the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety of both officers and the public they serve.