Timeline Released In Fatal PA Turnpike Toll Plaza Shooting

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WJZ) -- An attempted toll robbery left three people dead, including the suspect. It happened Sunday morning three hours northwest of Baltimore.

Tracey Leong has the latest on the investigation.

The suspect is a former Pennsylvania State trooper who retired in 2012 after 26 years of service.

The chilling radio calls went out moments after gunfire broke out on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Police say retired Pennsylvania State trooper Clarence Briggs confronted two tollbooth workers at the Fort Littleton Toll Plaza with a handgun around 7 a.m. Sunday. The 55-year-old suspect then stole money and tried tying up the employees.

Briggs ran outside, followed by Daniel Crouse---one of the workers he had tried to tie up.

A toll fare collection van then arrived, driven by security guard Ronald Heist, who was a retired police officer. Briggs shot and killed both men.

"We are deeply saddened by this horrific tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends," said Pennsylvania Turnpike Chairman Sean Logan.

Briggs then drove the van to his parked car down the hill to unload his stolen money---and that's where troopers pulled up, stopping Briggs in his tracks.

"There was an exchange of gunfire between the trooper and the actor. The actor was shot and succumbed to his injuries at the scene," said Pennsylvania State Police Captain David Cain.

The Fort Littleton Toll Plaza has since reopened. It was closed all day Sunday during the investigation.

The motive for this robbery and shooting is still being investigated.