The suspect, 31, was captured early Sunday while walking near a power plant outside New Florence, about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, after a six-hour manhunt.
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This undated photo provided by the Pennsylvania State Police shows St. Clair Township Officer Lloyd Reed.
Reed, who had been an officer for more than 20 years, was killed by a single wound to the side of his torso, which was not protected by his bulletproof vest, according to a deputy coroner.
Shetler was being treated at a hospital under police guard for an unspecified injury Sunday.
The man accused having shot Reed to death is Ray Allen Shetler Jr, who then fled the scene of the crime, Limani added. An arrest warrant was expected to be obtained Sunday after Shetler was taken in for questioning.
“This is another frightful tragedy that brings to light how hard a police officer’s job can be on a daily basis”, Peck said.
Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation, c/o Tim Kreger, 337 Winners Circle, Canonsburg, PA 15317.
“Unfortunately. this has become a nationwide trend, and it’s hit close to home”, Westmoreland County Sheriff Jonathan Held told NBC station WPXI of Pittsburgh.
Limani said Luther and the second officer to arrive, Justin Dickert of Seward, both told troopers they could hear Reed repeatedly ordering Shetler to drop his weapon. Sources told WJAC-TV the officer was shot around 9:30 p.m. and was found in the yard of a burning house in New Florence. “He really cared for the community”.
Officials say Officer Lloyd Reed died at a local hospital. He later told police he never knew Reed was a cop.
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Whatever happened, Limani said, Shetler knew his girlfriend had called police before grabbing the rifle to leave.
