Pennsylvania trooper, suspect killed in shootout; 2nd trooper seriously wounded
LEWISTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A state trooper and a suspect were both killed Saturday in a shootout in central Pennsylvania, hours after the suspect seriously wounded another trooper, state police said.
Police in Juniata County said a man engaged troopers at about 12:45 p.m. near the Lewistown barracks and shot one trooper, who was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities found the man shortly before 3 p.m. in Walker Township, about 26 miles (42 kilometers) northwest of the initial incident. The shooter and a trooper were then killed during the resulting shootout, state police said in a news release. Officials said Saturday evening that there was no threat to the public.
Authorities later identified two state troopers involved in the deadly shooting.
Police say, Jacques F. Rougeau, 29, was shot and killed, and Lt. James Wagner, 45, is in critical condition after a suspect allegedly targeted the troopers in what they're calling a "cat and mouse game."
The incident reportedly started when a pickup truck drove through the Lewistown barracks parking lot. That's when the suspect got out and fired several rounds from a long rifle into a patrol car.
He then took off, sending troopers on a search for the gunman.
When they found him, police say the suspect fired at both troopers, killing one of them.
"And my characterization of it is that he was playing somewhat of a game of cat and mouse with him. There were phone calls, there were attempts to try and negotiate with him. But there were phone calls from him providing a location, and then, he wouldn't be there. He seemed to be setting our people up for a potential ambush," Lt. Col. George Bivens said.
The suspect was also shot and killed. A motive is unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Trooper Rougeau, who died in the line of duty.
Rougeau enlisted in 2020 and was stationed in Lewistown.
