Six Shot, Three Dead in Pennsylvania Crime Spree Spanning Two Counties

DAUPHIN COUNTY, PA — A tragic series of events unfolded early Friday morning across Dauphin and Lancaster Counties, leaving six people shot and three dead in a string of connected incidents. Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) revealed that the rampage involved two crime scenes, a high-speed chase, and a police-involved shootout, marking one of the most severe recent cases in the region.

According to PSP, the incident began around 4 a.m. when 22-year-old Ricky Shannon entered the Sassafras Terrace apartment complex in Lancaster County and opened fire on four people, fatally wounding one. Following the shooting, Shannon fled the scene with a 19-year-old woman, driving away before police arrived. PSP reported that the individuals targeted in the apartment were relatives of the young woman accompanying Shannon, adding a domestic aspect to the violence.

Court records indicate a complex relationship between Shannon and the woman, with both filing Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders against one another shortly before the incident. Shannon’s order was reportedly filed first, followed by the woman’s only days later, though the specific reasons for the PFAs remain undisclosed. After identifying Shannon as the suspect, PSP initiated a chase that spanned more than 40 miles across Lancaster and into Dauphin County.

During the pursuit, Shannon drove erratically, colliding with multiple vehicles and driving on the wrong side of the road at times. After a nearly 40-minute chase, PSP officers managed to halt his vehicle on Route 147 using a pit maneuver. When stopped, Shannon allegedly fired at troopers, striking several police vehicles and endangering nearby officers. PSP troopers returned fire, eventually fatally wounding Shannon and the young woman in the ensuing shootout.

PSP Lt. Adam Reed later noted that Shannon’s truck had tinted windows, making it difficult for officers to see inside during the standoff. Despite immediate attempts to render aid, both Shannon and the woman succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The details of their relationship remain unclear, and investigators are working to piece together the motive and dynamics behind the tragic events.

At a 1 p.m. press conference, PSP spokesperson Lt. Reed and Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo shared that bodycam and dashcam footage is under review to help reconstruct the series of events. DA Chardo also confirmed that the authorities are locating and supporting the injured family members, though their identities have not yet been disclosed.

PSP has announced that Route 147 between Mountain Road and Exit 22 will remain closed as investigators process the scene. Further details are expected as authorities continue their investigation into the harrowing incident.