Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Fatally Shot During Chester County Traffic Stop

Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor was fatally shot in West Caln Twp during a traffic stop. The suspect died of a self-inflicted wound.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 9:16 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from reporting by WHYY and 6abc Action News.

Details of the Fatal Encounter

The incident began at approximately 8:00 p.m. when Cpl. Timothy O’Connor responded to reports of an erratic driver in Honey Brook. O’Connor initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township. According to Lt. Col. George Bivens, O’Connor made a standard radio call to dispatch to log the stop, which would be his final communication.

The Shooting and Murder-Suicide Ruling

Investigators state that within seconds of O'Connor approaching the driver's side of the vehicle, the occupant opened fire from inside the car. O’Connor was struck and killed at the scene. The shooter then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance, and fatally shot himself. Law enforcement officials have characterized the encounter as a murder-suicide. The suspect has been identified only as a 32 year old male from Chester County, with officials withholding his name pending further investigation.

State and Local Response

Governor Josh Shapiro joined law enforcement leaders at Paoli Hospital to address the tragedy, describing O’Connor as a hero and a dedicated public servant. A solemn procession involving dozens of police vehicles escorted the fallen corporal’s body to the coroner’s office in West Chester. In honor of O'Connor's service, the Governor has mandated that all Pennsylvania flags be lowered to half-staff.