Crime
Suspect who shot two Pennsylvania State Troopers in Antrim Township ID’d as Lamar Foy
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.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.