Crime
Suspect in Deadly York County Police Shooting Identified as 24-year-old Matthew Ruth
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Court documents are shedding new light on events that unfolded just one day before a deadly shooting in York County that left three police officers and the suspected gunman dead, and two additional officers critically wounded.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, police were called to a farm property after a woman reported that a man, dressed in camouflage and carrying binoculars, was seen looking into her home through a window.
The woman told investigators she spotted the man on her driveway through a trail camera system installed on the property.
When an officer responded, the suspect was no longer at the scene.
However, the officer did locate a black 2000 Ford Ranger pickup truck parked along the roadside near a wooded area.
The woman informed police she believed the intruder may have arrived in that vehicle.
The officer then spoke with a mother and daughter who lived at the property.
The daughter revealed that on August 20, her own pickup truck had been set on fire while parked in the driveway. She told investigators she suspected her ex-boyfriend at the time but declined to pursue an investigation.
The mother later provided officers with a still image from the trail camera, showing a man dressed in full camouflage standing behind the daughter’s vehicle.
In the photo, the individual appeared to be looking through a scope-like device pointed at the residence.
The daughter subsequently identified the man in the photo as her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ruth, clarifying that their relationship had been brief and that he had never been invited to her home.
Investigators reviewing the photo also noted that Ruth had an AR-15 style rifle slung across his chest while observing the residence.
Police launched a search for Ruth that day but were unable to locate him.
Based on the evidence, officers filed the affidavit and sought a warrant for Ruth’s arrest on multiple charges, including stalking, loitering and prowling at night, and criminal trespass.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Ruth was involved in the September 17 shooting that killed three officers and wounded two others.
Crime
Who was Jesse Strang? Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting Suspect Identified as Transgender Student
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left at least 10 people dead, including multiple victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two individuals at a separate residence connected to the case.
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not formally released the suspect’s identity, the alleged shooter has been identified by a close family member as 17-year-old Jesse Strang, a student at the school.
The outlet stated it spoke with Russell G. Strang, identified as the suspect’s uncle, who claimed that Jesse was responsible for the attack and described the teen as transgender.
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed these details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case remains active.
According to RCMP, gunfire was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Responding officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building, while a seventh victim later died while being transported to a hospital.
Two additional victims were airlifted to regional medical facilities with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 others were evaluated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation, officers identified what they described as a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident.” At that residence, police located two additional victims who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman is also deceased, reportedly from what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted injury.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney said.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 residents in the Northern Rockies region of northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in its history.
Crisis support resources and emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist victims, families, and residents affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, strong opinions and commentary have circulated online regarding the suspect’s identity, gender, and possible motives.
Authorities have not established a motive, nor have they confirmed personal details about the suspect. Officials caution against spreading speculation or attributing the attack to any ideology or group without verified evidence.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to confirm the suspect’s identity, reconstruct the timeline of events, and determine what factors led to the violence.
Additional updates are expected as authorities continue to gather and verify information.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement and encouraging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of profound loss.