Pennsylvania trooper shot and wounded in Tioga County, prompting standoff

ELKLAND — A Pennsylvania state trooper was shot and wounded Tuesday afternoon at a home in a rural area near the border with New York state, prompting a standoff with the barricaded gunman that lasted into the evening, authorities said.

Troopers were conducting a welfare check at the home in Nelson Township, in Tioga County, when they were met with gunfire, officials said.

One trooper was shot and was airlifted out. The trooper was conscious and alert before going into surgery, state police said. He was listed in stable condition.

Update: @PAStatePolice still on scene dealing with shooter, 2 hours northwest of Philadelphia in Tioga County where trooper shot earlier now stable after flown&treated at hospital. Latest details on what happened just in from Pennsylvania State Police here. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/gHImPxiX1O

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) December 10, 2019

A second trooper suffered a leg injury. He was treated and released, authorities said.

State police swarmed the scene as the gunman barricaded himself inside for several hours after the shooting.

Three troopers had gone to the home after a person who has regular contact with the resident called to say the resident had been out of touch for several weeks, authorities said.

Troopers said they announced themselves, failed to get a response and then entered through an unlocked door. They called out again, they said, and that’s when a single shot was fired. The troopers retreated and requested backup, police said.

The shooting took place on a sparsely populated road just over the New York state line.

A nearby elementary school said it was in lockdown as a result of the shooting, and asked people to stay away unless it was an emergency. A high school more than 10 miles away also placed itself on lockdown but didn’t explain why, given the distance. Both schools said they would dismiss students as usual.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro tweeted they are praying for the injured trooper.

We are in touch with @PAStatePolice leadership and keeping the injured trooper in our prayers. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice every day. Please follow State Police for updates. https://t.co/ckqr6TQCGc

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) December 10, 2019