Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., 40, a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, was fatally shot while responding to a report of an erratic driver in Honey Brook Township.
According to state police, O’Connor responded to the report in the area of Walnut Road and Compass Road and located the vehicle within minutes. At approximately 8:24 p.m., he initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township.
As O’Connor approached the vehicle, authorities say the driver immediately opened fire from inside the vehicle, striking the trooper on the driver’s side.
Police said the suspect then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance, and fatally shot himself with a semi-automatic pistol. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect has been identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook, Chester County.
O’Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A Career of Service
Corporal O’Connor enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in September 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class. Following graduation, he was assigned to Troop J in Avondale.In October 2016, he joined the station’s Criminal Investigation Unit. He later transferred to Troop J’s Embreeville Station in March 2022, where he continued serving the community. In July 2022, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and remained assigned to Embreeville.
O’Connor becomes the 105th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to die in the line of duty.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Officials Offer Condolences
Pennsylvania State Police leadership and state officials expressed their condolences following the tragedy.“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,” said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “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.”
Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags across Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in honor of O’Connor.
“Pennsylvania tragically lost one of our finest when State Police Corporal Tim O’Connor was killed in the line of duty,” Shapiro said. “My heart breaks for Corporal O’Connor’s wife Casey, their young daughter, and their entire family. Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners.”
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe also expressed condolences to O’Connor’s family and fellow troopers.
“Last night we lost a distinguished protector of the Chester County community,” he said. “We grieve the loss of Corporal O’Connor and share our deepest condolences with his family.”