NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities have confirmed that Matthew Ruth has been identified as the suspect in the deadly York County shooting that claimed the lives of three police officers, left two others critically injured, and ended with Ruth’s own death on September 17, 2025. Court documents released Thursday reveal disturbing details about Ruth’s behavior in the hours leading up to the tragedy.
Disturbing Behavior Before the Shooting
According to an affidavit of probable cause, police were called to a farm property in North Codorus Township just one day before the ambush after a resident reported a man in camouflage peering through her window with binoculars. The woman, who had a trail camera system installed on her property, provided investigators with an image showing a man later identified as Ruth.
The photo showed him in full camouflage, carrying an AR-15 style rifle slung across his chest, and looking toward the home with a scope-like device.
Connection to a Previous Incident
Investigators also learned from the property owner’s daughter that her pickup truck had been set on fire on August 20, an incident she initially linked to her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ruth. She told officers their relationship was brief and that Ruth had never been invited to her home. She later confirmed that the man in the trail camera photo was indeed Ruth.
Despite launching a search that day, officers were unable to locate him. Based on the evidence, police filed an affidavit and sought an arrest warrant on charges including stalking, loitering and prowling at night, and criminal trespass.
The Deadly Ambush
On September 17, law enforcement officers converged on Ruth’s location as part of the ongoing investigation. The confrontation quickly escalated into a deadly firefight that left three officers fatally shot, two others critically wounded, and Ruth dead at the scene.
The fallen officers’ names have not yet been released pending family notifications, but law enforcement officials have called it one of the darkest days in York County history.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
York County residents have expressed shock and grief over the violent events. Vigils are being planned to honor the fallen officers, while local leaders have pledged support for the wounded officers still fighting for their lives.
Sheriff’s deputies and state police are working alongside federal investigators to piece together Ruth’s background, motives, and whether additional threats were present.
Ongoing Investigation
While authorities have confirmed Ruth as the suspect, they continue to investigate the timeline of events leading up to the ambush, including the earlier stalking and arson allegations. Officials are urging anyone with information about Ruth’s activities in the days before the shooting to come forward.
“This tragic incident underscores the dangers our officers face every day,” said one official. “We lost heroes in the line of duty, and we will make sure the full truth about what led to this ambush comes to light.”
Leave a Reply