Officers Killed in York County Ambush Identified as Cody Becker, Isaiah Emenheiser, and Mark Baker

North Codorus Township, PA — September 18, 2025 — In a devastating ambush that has shocked the York County community and law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania, three police officers were killed and two others critically wounded on Wednesday afternoon while serving a warrant at a rural farm location. The officers who lost their lives have been formally identified as Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Baker.

The suspect in the attack, 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, was killed by responding police officers during the confrontation, bringing an end to the violent encounter. Authorities have been working diligently to piece together the events surrounding the incident and provide accurate information amid widespread community grief and media attention.

The Incident: A Deadly Ambush in North Codorus Township

On the afternoon of September 17, law enforcement officers from the Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD), supported by the Pennsylvania State Police, attempted to execute a warrant at a farm in North Codorus Township. The warrant service quickly escalated into a violent ambush, with officers coming under heavy gunfire.

According to official reports, five officers were shot during the exchange. Tragically, three officers succumbed to their injuries at the scene or shortly after while the remaining two were transported to WellSpan York Hospital. Medical officials confirmed the two wounded officers remain in critical but stable condition.

Honoring the Fallen: Remembering Becker, Emenheiser, and Baker

Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Baker were all respected members of the NYCRPD with years of dedicated service to their communities. Their deaths represent an immense loss not only to the police force but to the residents they swore to protect.

In a somber statement, the NYCRPD urged the public to join them in mourning the fallen officers and supporting their families during this unimaginable tragedy:

“We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief,” the department said.

The Suspect: Matthew James Ruth

York County District Attorney Tim Barker identified the suspect as Matthew James Ruth, age 24. During a press conference on Thursday, Barker emphasized the importance of focusing on the victims and their families rather than the perpetrator. He stated he would refer to Ruth only as “the actor” moving forward, a gesture to prevent glorifying the individual responsible for this violence.

Ruth was fatally shot during the standoff with law enforcement, ending the immediate threat.

Community Impact and Law Enforcement Response

The tragic ambush has had a profound effect on York County, leading to an outpouring of grief and solidarity from residents and officials alike. Vigils and memorial services are being planned to honor the fallen officers and support their families.

In the wake of the tragedy, the NYCRPD administrative offices have temporarily closed. To ensure ongoing public safety, neighboring police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police have stepped in to provide law enforcement coverage in the region.

York County leaders have called for calm and unity, emphasizing the need to come together in support of the officers’ families and the community during this difficult time.

Broader Context and Related Coverage

The incident is the latest in a series of violent acts across the country that have targeted law enforcement officers. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of violence and policing, the sacrifices of officers like Becker, Emenheiser, and Baker serve as a solemn reminder of the risks faced daily by those in uniform.

Channel2 NOW remains committed to providing ongoing coverage of this story and the investigations that follow, keeping our community informed with accurate and respectful reporting.

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Published 11 minutes ago — September 18, 2025