Who is Matthew James Ruth? York County Shooting Suspect Killed After Deadly Ambush

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, three police officers were shot and killed during a deadly ambush in North Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania. Officials identified the suspect as Matthew James Ruth, 24, who was fatally shot by police during the standoff.

What Happened in York County?

Authorities say officers went to Ruth’s ex-girlfriend’s home to arrest him on stalking and trespassing charges. The door was unlocked, and officers entered the house at around 2:08 p.m. Ruth was waiting inside with an AR-15-style rifle. He opened fire as soon as they entered.

The shooting lasted just over two minutes. Detectives Cody Becker, Mark Baker, and Isaiah Emenheiser of the Northern Regional Police Department were killed at the scene. Two more officers, one from the York County Sheriff’s Office and another detective, were critically injured but are now stable.

A Planned Ambush

District Attorney Timothy Barker confirmed Ruth staged the ambush inside the house before continuing the firefight outside. Police fired the final shot at 2:10 p.m., ending the rampage.

Investigators later found a black lab belonging to Ruth’s ex-girlfriend shot dead in the basement. Officials believe Ruth also planned to target his ex-girlfriend and mother, who had been moved to a safe location earlier.

Community and Officials React

Governor Josh Shapiro called the shooting “absolutely tragic.” Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the violence, saying, “Attacks on law enforcement can never be accepted.”

District Attorney Barker became emotional while remembering the fallen officers. “They fought the critical fight for us,” he said. “We will love you forever.”

What Was the Motive?

Authorities say domestic violence was the main motive. Ruth’s ex-girlfriend had already reported him a day before the shooting. She told police he had been seen in camouflage, looking into her home with binoculars, and believed he had set her truck on fire in August.

Trail camera footage later showed Ruth carrying a rifle near the property. Police filed charges of stalking, prowling, and trespassing, but when officers came to arrest him on September 17, the situation turned deadly.