Crime
22-year-old Ricky Shannon shot dead by police after he allegedly shot and killed family members in Lancaster County
When officers approached the car after the shootout to provide medical aid, they discovered that both Shannon and the 19-year-old woman had been fatally wounded by gunfire.
In a tragic series of events early Friday morning, six people were shot, and three are dead following a pair of connected crime scenes, a high-speed chase, and a police-involved shooting that spanned across Dauphin and Lancaster Counties in Pennsylvania, according to Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
The incident began around 4 a.m. when 22-year-old Ricky Shannon reportedly entered the Sassafras Terrace apartment complex in Lancaster County and opened fire on four individuals, fatally wounding one.
Shannon, originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, fled the scene in a car with a 19-year-old woman.
Police indicated that the individuals targeted in the apartment were family members of the young woman.
Both Shannon and the woman had filed Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders against one another, with Shannon’s PFA filed first, followed by the woman’s only days later.
PSP were called to the scene promptly, where they identified Shannon as the suspect, and a pursuit ensued. PSP Lancaster joined the pursuit, which stretched over 40 miles into Dauphin County.
During the chase, Shannon reportedly collided with several vehicles and, at times, drove on the wrong side of the road at high speeds, posing a significant threat to the public.
The chase continued for approximately 40 minutes until PSP officers executed a pit maneuver on Route 147, effectively halting Shannon’s vehicle.
According to PSP Lt. Adam Reed, after being stopped, Shannon fired multiple rounds at the troopers, striking several police vehicles and nearly hitting some of the officers.
In response, PSP troopers returned fire. When officers approached the car after the shootout to provide medical aid, they discovered that both Shannon and the 19-year-old woman had been fatally wounded by gunfire.
Lt. Reed noted that Shannon’s truck had tinted windows, complicating officers’ efforts to see inside the vehicle during the confrontation.
Despite immediate efforts to administer aid, both Shannon and the young woman succumbed to their injuries.
At a press conference held at 1 p.m., PSP Public Information Officer Lt. Reed and Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo provided additional details on the unfolding investigation, noting that it remains in its preliminary stages.
Investigators are currently reviewing bodycam and dashcam footage to piece together the exact sequence of events.
DA Chardo also confirmed that police are working to identify and locate the family members of the young woman who were injured in the initial shooting, although their identities have not yet been publicly released.
The nature of Shannon’s relationship with the young woman, as well as the reasons behind their mutual PFAs, remains unclear, and further investigation is ongoing.
PSP stated that Route 147 between Mountain Road and Exit 22 (US 22 West/US 322 West) would remain closed as law enforcement processes the aftermath of the incident.
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at approximately 3:06 p.m., a report of an active shooter at Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital prompted an immediate police response.
Law enforcement officers swiftly arrived on-site, cleared the hospital, and confirmed there was no active threat and no reported injuries.
After a thorough search, it was determined that the call was a hoax. Authorities are now actively investigating the source of the false report.
The hospital’s safety was prioritized, and all threats are taken seriously to ensure the security of patients, staff, and visitors.
Original Post: Officers initially responded to an unverified report of a potential threat at Spohn Shoreline Hospital.
Police assessed and secured the hospital thoroughly, ensuring no evidence of an active threat was found.
Despite the belief that the call was a hoax, officers remained vigilant and conducted a full search to confirm the safety of everyone on the premises.