FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA — Multiple Shot, Including Two Troopers, in Antrim Township Shooting; I-81 Shut Down for Medivac Response
ANTRIM TOWNSHIP, PA (FRANKLIN COUNTY) — A chaotic and violent scene unfolded Wednesday evening in Antrim Township, when a shooting near Molly Pitcher Highway and Antrim Commons Drive left three people injured, including two Pennsylvania State Troopers, and caused a complete shutdown of Interstate 81 to accommodate emergency medical helicopters.
The incident began shortly after 6:00 p.m. when Pennsylvania State Police responded to reports of gunfire and multiple victims in the commercial corridor just outside Greencastle.
Troopers Among the Victims
Authorities confirmed that two state troopers were among those injured in the shooting, which erupted during what appears to have been an active law enforcement situation. The third injured person has been identified as the suspect, who was reportedly shot by responding officers and is now in custody. The conditions of the victims have not yet been fully disclosed, but all three were transported to regional trauma centers by medical helicopters.
Due to the severity of the situation and the need for multiple medivac landings, Interstate 81 was completely shut down in both directions near the Greencastle exit, causing significant traffic delays and backups that extended for miles during the evening rush.
Scene Secured, Investigation Underway
Upon arrival at the scene, Pennsylvania State Police secured the area and located the wounded individuals. The immediate vicinity was cordoned off as troopers and local officers worked to contain the situation and secure the suspect.
While few official details have been released about what led up to the gunfire, witnesses reported seeing a heavy police presence, with officers shouting commands before shots rang out. Some nearby businesses went into lockdown briefly, and bystanders were asked to shelter in place.
Multiple state and local agencies, including the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, are now involved in the ongoing investigation. The exact sequence of events—including what initiated the confrontation and whether the troopers were ambushed or responding to a specific call—has not yet been confirmed.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Witnesses at the scene described a harrowing scene as emergency vehicles swarmed the area.
“We heard popping sounds—loud, rapid—and then sirens just started flooding in from every direction,” said one nearby resident. “Next thing we knew, there were helicopters overhead, and traffic on the interstate just stopped.”
Three Life Lion and Life Net helicopters were launched and landed on the closed highway, a rare step taken only in major trauma incidents where ground transportation is not fast enough to preserve life.
Personnel from the Greencastle Rescue Hose Company, Franklin Fire, and multiple EMS units assisted in the rapid triage and extraction of the wounded.
Community in Shock
Antrim Township, a typically quiet community in south-central Pennsylvania, is reeling from the violence. Community leaders have expressed concern over the rising number of violent encounters that have begun to spill into more rural areas.
“It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen so close to home,” said one business owner near the scene. “We’re used to seeing these officers around here, always helping. To think two of them are in the hospital tonight is just awful.”
Residents across Franklin County have taken to social media to express support for law enforcement and offer prayers for the troopers’ recovery, as well as those who responded to the chaotic situation.
Official Statements and Next Steps
As of Thursday morning, Pennsylvania State Police have not released the names of the troopers or the suspect, citing the early stage of the investigation and the need to notify families.
Officials have confirmed that:
-
The suspect is alive and in custody;
-
The troopers were transported in serious condition, but their injuries are believed to be non-fatal;
-
The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation.
The Franklin County District Attorney has scheduled a press briefing, expected within the next 24 hours, to provide updates on the incident, the suspect’s identity, and any pending charges.
I-81 Reopened, but Long-Term Impact Remains
Interstate 81 has since reopened, but traffic delays and detours lasted well into the evening. Law enforcement officials are reviewing traffic and surveillance footage from nearby businesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
This shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents involving law enforcement officers in the region and has sparked renewed conversations about officer safety, community policing, and the mental health resources available for both civilians and police personnel.
Leave a Reply