A Pennsylvania gunman opened fire on three detectives immediately upon their entry into his stalking victim's unlocked home, killing them in a two-minute barrage from an AR-15-style rifle.
According to a New York Post report, Matthew Ruth targeted the officers during a domestic violence investigation in North Codorus Township on Wednesday. York County District Attorney Timothy Barker detailed the ambush at a Thursday press conference, noting the home was empty except for the family's slain black Labrador in the basement.
The slain officers were identified as Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser from the Northern York County Regional Police Department. Ruth, who was fatally shot during the exchange, had been sought on a stalking warrant related to his ex-girlfriend, who lived at the residence. Authorities emphasized that the detectives' actions prevented potential harm to the ex-girlfriend and her mother, who had fled earlier for safety.
Deadly Encounter Begins at Front Door
Police first responded to the home Tuesday night after reports of a man lurking outside with an AR-15, but Ruth was not located then. The following afternoon, officers visited his residence but found him absent, prompting them to return to the victim's house with an arrest warrant. Upon arrival, they noticed the front door was unlocked, unlike when the women had left it secured.
The three detectives decided to enter the home to check for Ruth or signs of danger. As soon as the door opened, Ruth fired multiple suppressed rounds from his rifle, striking Becker, Baker and Emenheiser fatally inside. Another Northern York detective was critically wounded while attempting to retreat with the fallen officers.
Barker described Ruth continuing to shoot as the surviving detective tried to pull colleagues to safety. The gunman then shifted focus outside, exchanging fire with a York County sheriff's deputy near his vehicle. The deputy, despite being shot, managed to return fire while seeking cover.
Gunfire Exchange Continues Outside Home
A final shootout occurred near the roadway between Ruth and the wounded Northern York detective. After this confrontation, Ruth was fatally shot and collapsed. The surviving detective then hurried back to aid his colleagues but found the three unresponsive amid the chaos.
Barker referred to the incident as a "barrage of murderous activity" throughout his briefing, avoiding Ruth's name and calling him "the actor." Officials confirmed the gunfire lasted about two minutes in total. The family's black Labrador was discovered shot dead in the basement, adding to the tragedy inside the empty house.
Investigators noted the women's safety was paramount, as they had evacuated before police returned. Barker stated the officers' intervention was crucial in averting worse outcomes. He asserted that without their arrival, the ex-girlfriend and her mother would have faced an immediate lethal threat upon returning home.
Investigation Roots in Stalking Report
The probe originated from the Tuesday night call about suspicious activity at the ex-girlfriend's residence. Ruth's history of stalking led to the warrant, though details of prior incidents were not specified in the briefing. Police had coordinated multiple visits that day to locate him before the fatal encounter.
Authorities praised the broader law enforcement response, including the sheriff's deputy's resilience. The critically injured Northern York detective provided aid post-shootout despite his wounds. No further suspects were mentioned, and the scene was secured for forensic analysis.
Barker highlighted the heroism in saving civilian lives during the domestic violence check. The district attorney inferred Ruth's intent was deadly based on his actions and armament. Community leaders echoed this view in initial statements following the news.
Tributes Honor Slain Detectives' Legacies
Northern York Police Chief David Lash addressed the community, expressing deep grief over the losses. He described the detectives as exemplars of policing with professionalism and courage. Lash's voice broke as he noted their leadership roles within the agency.
"Each of these men represented the very best of policing," Lash said. "They served with professionalism, dedication and courage." He added that the community remains forever indebted to them for protecting residents and supporting fellow officers.
Baker was a father of four, known for community engagement like speaking at local schools. Becker, a former Spring Grove football player, heroically saved a baby and two children from a 2010 house fire. Emenheiser earned Officer of the Year in 2011 and multiple DUI Top Gun awards for his arrest record, once targeted but unhit in a 2018 shooting.
