A Pennsylvania State Trooper was killed during a traffic stop in Chester County on Sunday night, authorities said.
According to investigators, Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr. received a call around 8 p.m. about a driver in Honey Brook acting erratically.
Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr. 131st Cadet Class Photo
Helicopter 6 flies over the scene after a Pennsylvania State Trooper was shot and killed in West Kahn. March 8, 2026, Chester County Twp.
Authorities said he stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Kahn Township.
Lt. Col. George Bivens said O’Connor’s radio call directing a traffic stop was the last communication he received.
Investigators said the driver opened fire within seconds of approaching the vehicle, and O’Connor died at the scene.
State police identified the shooter as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Col. George Bivins and District Attorney Chris DeBarena-Sarobe speak at a news conference following the shooting death of Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor March 8,
“Within seconds, as he approached the vehicle, the driver opened fire from inside the vehicle, striking him as he approached the driver’s side of the vehicle,” Bivins said.
Authorities said Elks then got out of the car, walked a short distance and then shot himself with a handgun.
Investigators are describing the incident as a murder-suicide.
O’Connor was 40 years old. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.
Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke with law enforcement officers outside Paoli Hospital about the loss to the state police community.
“The Pennsylvania State Police family has lost a son, it has lost a hero and it has lost a dedicated public servant,” Shapiro said.
Helicopter 6 is parading Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor was killed in a traffic stop on the evening of March 8, 2026.
A solemn procession carried O’Connor’s body from Paoli Hospital to the coroner’s office in West Chester, with the No. 6 helicopter flying above the procession as it passed through the area.
Shapiro has ordered flags in Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff to mourn O’Connor.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher DeBarena-Sarobe said the county is assisting with the investigation.
De Barrena-Sarobe said they would now investigate his background and motives.
State police said O’Connor was assigned to Troop J at Embreeville Station and joined the PSP in September 2010 as Cadet Class 131.
After graduation, he was assigned to Avondale J Troop and joined their Criminal Investigations Unit in October 2016. In March 2022, he transferred to Troop J, Embryville, and was promoted to Corporal in July 2022, where he continued to serve with Troop J, Embryville.
O’Connor became the 105th PSP member to give his life in the line of duty.
“This is a tragic day for all of us. We have lost a dear family member, a hero and a member of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Lt. Col. George Bivins, acting chief of the Pennsylvania State Police, said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Corporal O’Connor’s wife, daughter and family. We ask that everyone continue to pray and help them during this devastating time.”
