NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — What began as a troubling domestic dispute has ended in one of the darkest days for law enforcement in York County. Authorities say a young man’s obsession with his former girlfriend may have set off a chain of events that culminated in a violent ambush on Sept. 17, leaving three police officers dead, two others critically wounded, and the suspect himself killed.
The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth of Hanover, whose disturbing behavior toward a former girlfriend prompted police to secure an arrest warrant just one day before the deadly confrontation.
Relationship Trouble and Stalking Allegations
According to court documents, a woman in North Codorus Township reported on Sept. 16 that her ex-boyfriend, Ruth, had been lurking outside her home while dressed in camouflage. Trail camera footage allegedly captured him peering through binoculars toward the residence, with what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle slung across his chest.
The woman explained to investigators that her relationship with Ruth had been brief and that he was never welcome at her property. She also disclosed that her vehicle had been set on fire weeks earlier in her driveway, an incident she originally chose not to pursue but later suspected could be connected to Ruth.
Police responded to her call, located a vehicle believed to be Ruth’s near the property, and gathered evidence. Later that day, charges of stalking, prowling at nighttime, and criminal trespass were filed, and a warrant was issued for Ruth’s arrest.
The Ambush on Haar Road
On Sept. 17, just after 2 p.m., officers with the Northern York County Regional Police Department went to serve the arrest warrant at a farm along Haar Road in North Codorus Township.
Unbeknownst to the officers, Ruth had concealed himself in nearby cornfields, armed and dressed in camouflage. When law enforcement approached the property, he unleashed gunfire in a calculated ambush.
- Three officers were fatally shot.
- Two officers were critically wounded and rushed by medevac helicopters to WellSpan York Hospital, where they remain in serious but stable condition.
- Ruth was ultimately shot and killed at the scene during the exchange of gunfire.
Pennsylvania State Police officials later confirmed that the confrontation unfolded rapidly, leaving little chance for officers to defend themselves.
Police and Government Response
The Northern York County Regional Police Department issued a somber statement, mourning the loss of their officers:
“Yesterday was a dark and heartbreaking day for the Northern York County Regional Police Department and for all of York County. We are devastated by the loss of three of our officers and continue to pray for the recovery of a fourth who remains hospitalized.”
Governor Josh Shapiro also addressed the tragedy, urging Pennsylvanians to reflect on the deeper issues behind such violence.
“We need to do better when it comes to mental health and supporting those in crisis, so tragedies like this never happen again. These officers gave their lives in service, and we owe it to them to learn and act.”
A Year of Loss for York County Officers
The deaths of the three officers mark the second major tragedy for York County law enforcement in 2025. Earlier this year, another officer lost his life in the line of duty, underscoring the growing dangers faced by those sworn to protect their communities.
Community Grieves and Remembers
The impact of the ambush has shaken York County to its core. Flowers and flags have been placed outside the Northern York County Regional Police Department in honor of the fallen.
- A community vigil will take place Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Alliance Church in Spring Grove, honoring the three fallen officers and lifting prayers for the recovery of the wounded.
- A fundraiser at Moonlight Café in Dover is set for Sept. 23, donating 20% of all sales and gift cards directly to the victims’ families.
- The Hellam Township Police Department is collecting gift cards for groceries, gas, and dining to support the families.
Officials have confirmed that an official donation portal will soon be released to ensure public contributions directly aid the families most affected.
The Road Ahead
York County District Attorney Tim Barker has scheduled a press briefing for Thursday afternoon to release additional details, including the names of the fallen officers.
For now, the community is left mourning — reflecting on how a troubled relationship escalated into stalking, a warrant, and ultimately, a deadly ambush that claimed the lives of three officers, wounded two more, and ended with the suspect dead.
This tragedy has become a solemn reminder of both the risks faced by law enforcement and the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.
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