Those were the heartbreaking words from the wife of Timothy J. O’Connor Jr. after the trooper was gunned down during what should have been a routine traffic stop in Chester County. Authorities say O’Connor pulled over a driver for erratic driving. He radioed in the stop — then walked toward the car. Seconds later, the driver opened fire. The suspect, identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, later shot himself, leaving investigators piecing together what triggered the deadly encounter. O’Connor, a 40-year-old veteran trooper, left behind a devastated family who had been waiting at home for him to return. What happened in those final moments on that dark roadside is now the focus of a growing investigation.

Pennsylvania state police trooper shot and killed during traffic stop; suspect also dead

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A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed during a traffic stop in Chester County on Sunday night, authorities said.

WEST CALN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed during a traffic stop in Chester County on Sunday night, authorities said.

According to investigators, Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr. responded around 8 p.m. to a call about an erratic driver in Honey Brook.

131st cadet class photo of Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police

Chopper 6 was over the scene after a Pa. State Police trooper was shot and killed in West Caln. Twp., Chester County on March 8, 2026.

Authorities said he stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township.

Lt. Col. George Bivens said O’Connor made a radio call indicating the traffic stop, which was the last communication received from him.

Investigators said that within seconds of approaching the vehicle, the driver opened fire, killing O’Connor at the scene.

State police identified the gunman as Jesse Nathan Elks, age 32, of Honey Brook, Pa. The shooting unfolded near the suspect’s home.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Col. George Bivens and D.A. Chris de Barrena-Sarobe spoke at a news conference after the shooting death of Pa. State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor at March 8,

“Within seconds, as he approached the car, the driver opened fire from inside the vehicle and struck him just as he approached the driver’s side of the vehicle,” Bivens said.

Authorities said Elks then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance, and then fatally shot himself with a pistol.

Investigators described the incident as a murder-suicide.

“I just got home from a walk, and we heard the gunshots,” said neighbor Stephanie King. “And living here with us, it’s very quiet here. Everybody is close here, so it was very shocking.”

O’Connor was 40 years old. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.

Fellow Pennsylvania State Police troopers were seen laying flowers on the truck of Corporal Timothy O’Connor outside his barracks on Monday.

On Monday afternoon, O’Connor’s police vehicle returned to his barracks in West Bradford Township, where it was adorned with flowers and black and purple bunting. Pennsylvania State Police Chaplain Rev. Jack Crans said the display serves as a sober reminder of what happened to O’Connor and to other law enforcement officers across the country in recent years.

“This is an hour, definitely in history, where the nation needs to come before God and bow its heart and really say, ‘Lord help us,’” Crans said.

In West Chester, black bunting now hangs outside the fire department where he volunteered from 2003 to 2012.

The department says, “His dedication to helping others and his unwavering commitment to public safety were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.”

We’ve learned Corporal O’Connor also helped with Camp Cadet of Chester County, which fosters relationships between local youth and law enforcement.

Joshua Cucchi, 14, says Corporal O’Connor was his cabin leader and mentor.

“He really helped me through the week, mentored me, and taught me new skills. These are skills I’ll carry throughout my life,” said Cucchi of Parkesburg.

Governor Josh Shapiro, who joined law enforcement officials outside Paoli Hospital, spoke about the loss to the state police community.

“The Pennsylvania State Police family lost a son, lost a hero, and lost a dedicated public servant,” Shapiro said.

Chopper 6 was over the procession for Pa. State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor after he was killed during a traffic stop on the night of March 8, 2026.

A solemn procession carried O’Connor’s body from Paoli Hospital to the coroner’s office in West Chester, with Chopper 6 flying above the procession as it moved through the area.

Shapiro has ordered flags across Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in O’Connor’s honor.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe says the county is assisting with the investigation. They will now be investigating his background and motives, according to de Barrena-Sarobe.

State police say O’Connor was assigned to Troop J, Embreeville Station, and enlisted in the PSP in September 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class.

Upon graduation, he was assigned to Troop J, Avondale, and in October 2016, he joined their Criminal Investigation Unit. In March 2022, he transferred to Troop J, Embreeville, and in July 2022, was promoted to corporal and continued serving at Troop J, Embreeville.

O’Connor became the 105th member of the PSP to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in the line of duty.

“This is a tragic day for all of us. We have lost a dear member of our family, a hero and member of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, said in a statement. “Our hearts remain with Corporal O’Connor’s wife, daughter, and family. We ask for everyone’s continued prayers to help them during this devastating time.”