Authorities in York County, Pennsylvania, have identified Matthew James Ruth, 24, of Hanover, as the suspect in a devastating shooting that left three police officers dead and two others critically injured on Wednesday, following an attempted warrant service in North Codorus Township.

The deadly confrontation stemmed from a case involving allegations of stalking and harassment filed by Ruth’s former girlfriend. According to an affidavit of probable cause, police began investigating Ruth after the woman reported that he had been lurking outside her home late Tuesday night, wearing camouflage and allegedly peering through her windows with binoculars.

The woman, identified by neighbors as Elizabeth Zumbrum, told investigators she had ended a brief relationship with Ruth but claimed he refused to leave her alone. Concerned for her safety and that of her four children, she had already moved them out of the house in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, she called police after spotting a suspicious figure outside. A trail camera set up by her family, following a separate incident in August when her daughter’s car was set on fire, captured images of a man later identified as Ruth. Officers reviewing the footage saw him carrying what appeared to be an AR-15–style rifle slung over his shoulder.

Based on this evidence, authorities obtained a warrant charging Ruth with stalking, loitering and prowling at night, and criminal trespass.

When officers from multiple York County departments attempted to serve the warrant Wednesday afternoon, Ruth allegedly opened fire. The gun battle was described as chaotic and prolonged, with officers facing high-powered rifle fire from Ruth as they approached the property.

By the time the shooting ended, three officers were dead and two others critically wounded. Ruth was also killed during the exchange.

The tragedy has shaken the local law enforcement community, marking one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania police in recent memory. Agencies across the state have expressed condolences, with many noting the increasing dangers officers face in serving warrants tied to domestic violence and stalking cases.

Investigators believe Ruth had been preparing for confrontation. Surveillance footage placed his black Ford Ranger near Zumbrum’s home prior to the shooting, and officers noted signs that he had been lying in wait. Authorities are continuing to piece together the timeline, but early findings suggest that his behavior had escalated rapidly in the weeks leading up to the violence.

For Zumbrum and her family, the nightmare of alleged harassment has now been compounded by the loss of multiple officers who came to protect her. Neighbors described her as devastated, but also relieved her children were not present at the time of the deadly encounter.

York County officials are planning vigils to honor the fallen officers, whose names will be released once family notifications are complete. Meanwhile, investigators are combing through Ruth’s digital and physical records to determine whether he had planned further acts of violence.

This incident underscores the urgent dangers of stalking and domestic violence cases, where threats can escalate unpredictably into deadly confrontations.