Crime
West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte killed in UPMC Memorial Hospital shooting
West Manchester Township, PA – A West York Borough Police officer was killed in the line of duty, and the gunman is deceased following an active shooter situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital on Saturday morning, February 22, 2025.
The York County Office of Emergency Management reported that the first 911 call regarding an active threat at the hospital was received at 10:43 a.m. Law enforcement agencies, including Pennsylvania State Police and local authorities, immediately responded to the scene.
Ted Czech, Public Information Officer for York County 911, confirmed that the threat was neutralized, and the situation is now under investigation.
The West York Borough Police Department announced the tragic death of Officer Andrew Duarte, who was fatally shot while responding to the incident.
The department issued the following statement on social media:
“We are heartbroken to report the loss of Officer Andrew Duarte, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, fellow officers, and all those impacted by this tragedy.”
York County Coroner Pam Gay confirmed that her office has been notified of the incident but has not released further details.
Pennsylvania State Police issued a statement confirming:
“At this time, the shooter is deceased, and there is no danger to the public.”
Authorities have not yet provided details on the suspect’s identity, possible motives, or additional casualties.
A UPMC Memorial Hospital spokesperson provided an update on hospital operations, stating:
“We have received confirmed reports of a gunman at UPMC Memorial and shots fired. The gunman is deceased, and no patients have been injured. The hospital is now secure. Law enforcement remains on site and is managing the situation. Employees who are not scheduled to work today should stay home. A hotline has been established at (717) 849-5338 or (717) 849-5334 for families of patients seeking information. Families arriving at the hospital should report to the parking lot of the OSS building across the street.”
Authorities have established a hotline for any patients, employees, or visitors affected by the incident. Those seeking information can call (717) 849-5338 or (717) 849-4334.
A press conference will be scheduled at a later time to provide additional details.
This remains a developing investigation, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.