Who was Matthew James Ruth? Pennsylvania gunman who killed 3 officers identified — was his ex-girlfriend the real target?

In a devastating incident that has shaken law enforcement and the wider community, three police officers were killed and two others injured during a shootout in North Codorus Township, York County, on Wednesday afternoon. Officials have now identified the gunman as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, a man whose actions have left behind grief, questions, and an ongoing investigation.

Authorities confirmed Ruth’s identity to the Associated Press through a law enforcement official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation remains active. The episode unfolded amid a domestic-related case, leading to one of the deadliest police incidents in Pennsylvania in recent years.

Domestic Dispute Leads to Tragedy

The chain of events began on Tuesday, Sept. 16, when a woman reported to the Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) that Ruth had been stalking a residence near a cornfield. The complaint resulted in a request for both an arrest warrant and a restraining order.

Officers attempted to serve the warrant later that evening but were unable to locate Ruth. Law enforcement sources said Ruth may have been deliberately evading authorities. By Wednesday afternoon, when officers returned for a follow-up visit, the situation escalated dramatically.

The Deadly Ambush

At around 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 17, NYCRPD officers approached the residence on Haar Road. According to investigators, Ruth, dressed in camouflage, allegedly opened fire from a concealed position in a nearby cornfield. Three officers from the regional police department were struck and killed instantly in what officials described as an ambush.

The violence did not end there. Ruth reportedly advanced toward the residence and engaged in further gunfire with York County Sheriff’s deputies. During the exchange, two deputies were wounded. One deputy, despite being injured, returned fire, killing Ruth at the scene.

Authorities’ Response and Immediate Measures

As gunfire erupted, the Spring Grove School District ordered a precautionary shelter-in-place. Several roads in the township were sealed off to facilitate law enforcement operations.

WellSpan York Hospital received two injured officers and immediately entered lockdown, implementing enhanced security measures. At a later briefing, hospital representatives confirmed the officers were in critical but stable condition.

By 5:20 p.m., the York County Coroner’s Office had been called to the scene, confirming the magnitude of the tragedy.

State and Federal Officials React

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris, addressed the media from WellSpan York Hospital in the evening. Shapiro confirmed the deaths of three officers and described the day as one of profound loss for the state.

“Three brave officers have given their lives in the line of duty. We owe them and their families a debt that cannot be repaid,” Shapiro said, adding that U.S. and Pennsylvania flags would fly at half-staff in their memory.

Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, were deployed to York County to provide assistance. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel underscored their support for state authorities in ensuring a thorough investigation.

Who Was Matthew James Ruth?

As the community grapples with grief, attention has turned to understanding who Matthew James Ruth was and what led to his violent outburst.

Little has been officially disclosed about Ruth’s background. Police documents confirm he was 24 years old and wearing camouflage during the shooting. It remains unclear whether he intended to target his ex-girlfriend or ambush law enforcement officers specifically.

Neighbors described Ruth as reclusive, often seen around the cornfields but rarely engaging with others. Investigators are exploring his personal history, including possible mental health struggles or past criminal records.

Sources said Ruth had previously been known to local authorities but not for crimes of such magnitude. The fact that he was able to mount such a deadly attack, however, has raised urgent questions about access to firearms, law enforcement preparedness, and the risks officers face while responding to domestic disputes.

Timeline of the Incident

• Sept. 16 (Tuesday): Woman files stalking complaint against Ruth; warrant and restraining order sought.
• Sept. 16 (evening): Officers attempt to serve warrant but fail to locate Ruth.
• Sept. 17 (2:10 p.m.): NYCRPD officers return to the residence; ambushed from cornfield.
• Sept. 17 (approx. 2:20 p.m.): Three officers killed, two deputies injured. Ruth shot dead after exchange of fire.
• Sept. 17 (4:20 p.m.): WellSpan Hospital confirms treatment of two wounded officers.
• Sept. 17 (5:20 p.m.): York County Coroner called to the scene.
• Sept. 17 (6:15 p.m.): Gov. Shapiro holds press briefing confirming fatalities.

Investigations Underway

The Pennsylvania State Police and York County District Attorney’s Office have taken the lead in the investigation. Authorities stated that multiple sites across York County are being examined as part of the inquiry.

Officials stressed there is no ongoing threat to public safety, as Ruth acted alone. However, the probe is expected to focus on Ruth’s motives, his preparation for the ambush, and whether warning signs were overlooked.

Community members and local leaders have expressed grief and outrage. Candlelight vigils are being planned to honor the fallen officers, while questions persist about whether their deaths could have been prevented.

A Community in Mourning

The shooting has left North Codorus Township and the broader York County region reeling. The deaths of three officers in the line of duty mark one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania law enforcement in recent memory.

Flags flew at half-staff across the state on Thursday, while tributes poured in from across the country. Police unions and law enforcement agencies from neighboring states offered condolences and pledged support to the families of the victims.

As the investigation continues, officials have urged restraint in speculation. “We need to allow the facts to guide us,” Col. Paris said, emphasizing the complexity of the case.

FAQs:

Who was Matthew James Ruth?

Matthew James Ruth was a 24-year-old man identified as the gunman responsible for killing three police officers and injuring two others in York County, Pennsylvania, before being shot dead by law enforcement.

How many officers were killed and injured in the attack

Three officers from the Nort?hern York County Regional Police Department were killed. Two York County Sheriff’s deputies were injured but are in critical, stable condition.