FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — The use of deadly force by Pennsylvania State Troopers during a violent confrontation on Interstate 81 in Antrim Township was “absolutely necessary and 100% justified,” according to Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink.

The incident, which occurred Wednesday evening near Exit 3 by a Sheetz store, left two Troopers seriously wounded and the gunman dead.

During a Thursday press briefing, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Commissioner Christopher Paris described the encounter as a “fierce gunfight” that unfolded following a high-speed pursuit.

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Lamar Foy of Maryland, opened fire on Troopers as they attempted to remove him from a van following a chase.

Two State Troopers were struck multiple times during the exchange of gunfire.

They were later identified as Trooper Thomas Pack, 23, and Trooper Lucas Amarose, 31.

Trooper Pack, who joined PSP in June 2024, was treated and released from the hospital and is now recovering at home.

Trooper Amarose, a 2017 academy graduate and Mt. Carmel native who previously played offensive line for Wilkes University, remains hospitalized in serious condition.

A third Trooper involved in the gunfire was not injured.

Commissioner Paris emphasized that tourniquets and trauma first-aid kits were instrumental in saving both officers’ lives after they were hit.

Authorities said the sequence began around 6:14 p.m., when Troopers were alerted to a retail theft at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Guilford Township.

Surveillance footage showed three suspects — later identified as Foy, 21-year-old Amir Swift, and 21-year-old Giani McGowan, both of Baltimore — leaving the store with more than $1,000 worth of merchandise.

Troopers soon located the trio’s Chevrolet van traveling on I-81 near Exit 16 and attempted a traffic stop. Foy, the driver, refused to pull over, initiating a high-speed chase southbound on the interstate.

Spike strips were deployed near Exit 3, successfully disabling the vehicle. At that point, Swift and McGowan exited the van and surrendered to police without incident. However, Foy remained inside, prompting Troopers to approach and attempt to break the driver’s side window to extract him.

That’s when Foy allegedly opened fire, striking both Pack and Amarose multiple times. Despite their injuries, the Troopers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. Authorities said Foy exited the van while continuing to shoot before he was stopped.

District Attorney Brink confirmed that the use of lethal force was “necessary to neutralize a dangerous and ongoing threat.”

“This was absolutely necessary,” Brink said. “It was 100% justified — no question in my mind.”

Investigators recovered a large quantity of THC products, plastic bags containing unknown white and brown powdery substances, unmarked capsules, and a substantial amount of cash inside the van, according to court filings.

Authorities also discovered additional drug paraphernalia.

Both Swift and McGowan have been charged with multiple felonies, including:

• Retail theft
• Conspiracy to commit retail theft
• Manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver controlled substances

They also face two misdemeanor drug-related charges. Both suspects are being held in Franklin County Jail without bail, with preliminary hearings scheduled for October 21.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active, but emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public.