Tragic Ambush in Rural Pennsylvania: Three Officers Killed, Two Critically Wounded Serving Warrant; Suspect Fatally Shot by Police

First responders work the scene after several people were injured during a shooting involving police officers in North Codorus(AP Photo)

North Codorus Township, PA – September 17, 2025 – A devastating ambush in York County, Pennsylvania, left three law enforcement officers dead and two others critically wounded on Wednesday afternoon while they were attempting to serve a warrant. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Michael Lee Thompson, was killed by police during the exchange of gunfire.

The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. ET near the intersection of Haar and Emig roads in North Codorus Township, a quiet rural community known for its sprawling farmland. According to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris, officers from the Northern York Regional Police Department and York County Sheriff's Office had returned to a residence to serve a warrant related to a domestic violence investigation. The suspect had evaded an initial attempt to serve the warrant the previous evening.

As the officers approached the property, Thompson, dressed in camouflage and concealed in a nearby cornfield, opened fire with a high-powered rifle. Three Northern York Regional Police officers—Sgt. Michael J. Callahan, 42, Officer Daniel R. Myers, 35, and Officer Emily K. Sanders, 29—were fatally wounded in the initial attack. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect then advanced toward a nearby residence, engaging three York County sheriff’s deputies in a second exchange of gunfire. Deputies Brian K. Foster, 47, and Jessica L. Torres, 33, were struck and critically injured. Both were airlifted to WellSpan York Hospital, where they remain in critical but stable condition. The third deputy, whose identity has not been released, returned fire and fatally shot Thompson, ending the threat.

“This is a heartbreaking day for York County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro in a statement. “These officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and we mourn their loss deeply. We pray for the recovery of the wounded deputies and for strength for the families and colleagues left behind.”

The Pennsylvania State Police, in collaboration with the FBI and the York County District Attorney’s Office, are leading the investigation. Preliminary reports indicate the warrant was connected to a domestic violence complaint filed against Thompson, though specific details have not been disclosed. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby schools was lifted by 4:30 p.m.

The fallen officers were described as dedicated public servants. Sgt. Callahan, a 17-year veteran, leaves behind a wife and two children. Officer Myers, who served for eight years, was engaged to be married. Officer Sanders, a five-year veteran, was known for her work in community outreach programs. “They were the best of us,” said Northern York Regional Police Chief David Lash during a somber press briefing.

This tragedy marks one of the deadliest attacks on Pennsylvania law enforcement since the 2009 Pittsburgh ambush that killed three officers. It follows other recent officer-involved shootings in the state, including the February 2025 killing of West York Patrolman Andrew W. Duarte during a hospital hostage crisis and an August incident in Susquehanna County where two state troopers were wounded.

Community members gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening, and flags across the state were lowered to half-staff. The York County District Attorney’s Office urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 717-428-1011.