PA State Police Corporal Shot In Traffic Stop, Suspect Captured

A Pennsylvania state police corporal was shot during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning, state police confirmed.

The incident occurred on Route 33 near Route 191 in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, just before 11 a.m. authorities said.

It's not yet clear what caused the traffic stop to escalate, but gunfire was exchanged between the corporal and the suspect. The corporal was outside of his vehicle when the shooting began, police said.

The suspect, who suffered a gunshot wound during the incident, drove himself to Easton Hospital where he was taken into custody and treated for multiple gunshot wounds.

An emergency medical helicopter landed in the road and transported the trooper to the St. Luke's Hospital, where he is being treated for multiple gunshot wounds. His condition and the extent of his injuries are unknown. His name has not been released at this time.

The suspect's vehicle, a blue 2008 Pontiac, was found at Easton Hospital.

Leaders from around the state, including Gov. Tom Wolf, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and Sen. Bob Casey, expressed their condolences in the wake of the shooting.

“Frances and I are praying for this trooper, the family and every member of the Pennsylvania State Police," Gov. Wolf said in a statement. "This senseless act of violence is a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by all our brave men and women in uniform. Across Pennsylvania, our troopers are keeping communities safe by putting themselves in harm’s way. We must never forget that. I ask all Pennsylvanians to join us in keeping all those affected, especially the corporal, in their thoughts today."

According to the Morning Call, there was a second occupant in the vehicle at the time of the incident, and police are still searching for that individual.

The trooper is with Troop M, a barracks based in Bethlehem.

Southbound Route 33 lanes were shut down as authorities searched for the suspect and investigated the scene of the shooting.

This is a breaking story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Watch Now: PA State Trooper Shot In Traffic Stop

Main image courtesy Greg Donner