Crime
Officers killed in York County ambush identified as Cody Becker, Isaiah Emenheiser and Mark Baker
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — September 18, 2025 — Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that five police officers were shot on Wednesday afternoon while attempting to serve a warrant at a farm in York County.
Of those, three officers were killed, and two others remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition at WellSpan York Hospital.
During a Thursday press conference, York County District Attorney Tim Barker formally identified the gunman as 24-year-old Matthew J. Ruth. Barker emphasized that after naming him once, he would refer to him only as “the actor,” underscoring the department’s focus on the fallen officers and their families.
The Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) has identified the three officers killed in the line of duty as:
- Detective Sergeant Cody Becker
- Detective Isaiah Emenheiser
- Detective Mark Baker
A fourth officer from NYCRPD was among the two critically wounded. In a statement, the department said:
“We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”
The NYCRPD administrative offices have been closed, and coverage of municipal calls is being handled by neighboring departments with the support of Pennsylvania State Police.
Governor Josh Shapiro described the tragedy as a devastating day for both York County and the Commonwealth:
“We grieve for the loss of three precious souls who served this county, this Commonwealth, and this country. We continue to pray for the full recovery of those who are dealing with their wounds.”
The Governor also noted that this shooting comes only months after Officer Andrew Duarte of York County was killed in the line of duty earlier this year.
Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris confirmed that PSP has convened a Major Case Team to lead the investigation, in coordination with the York County District Attorney’s Office.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and those who were wounded. There are simply no words that can assuage the grief this community is enduring. The grief will be unbearable, but together we will bear it,” Paris said.
Authorities reported that the suspect, Ruth, was fatally shot by law enforcement during the confrontation.
The investigation now spans multiple locations across York County and is expected to continue throughout the night and into the coming days.
Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The crime scene remains large and active, with significant investigative resources deployed.
A more detailed overview of the findings is expected later Thursday.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.