Suspect Identified in I-81 Trooper Shooting: Lamar Foy Fatally Shot After Gun Battle in Antrim Township
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — A harrowing confrontation along Interstate 81 in Antrim Township left two Pennsylvania State Troopers seriously injured and a suspect dead following what law enforcement officials have called a “fierce gunfight” on Wednesday evening. The incident unfolded near Exit 3, adjacent to a Sheetz store, and has drawn widespread attention across the state.
During a press briefing Thursday, Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink confirmed the identity of the deceased suspect as 31-year-old Lamar Foy of Maryland, describing the use of deadly force by law enforcement as “absolutely necessary and 100% justified.”
“The actions of these Troopers saved lives,” Brink said. “This was a violent, volatile situation that required immediate and decisive response.”
Timeline of Events: From Retail Theft to Gunfire on the Interstate
The chaos began around 6:14 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, when Pennsylvania State Police were alerted to a retail theft in progress at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Guilford Township. Surveillance footage captured three individuals — later identified as Lamar Foy (31), Amir Swift (21), and Giani McGowan (21), all from Baltimore — exiting the store with more than $1,000 in stolen merchandise.
Shortly afterward, State Troopers spotted the suspects’ Chevrolet van traveling along I-81 near Exit 16 and attempted a traffic stop. Foy, who was driving, refused to pull over, initiating a high-speed pursuit that spanned several exits along the southbound lanes of the interstate.
Police deployed spike strips near Exit 3, successfully disabling the van. As the vehicle came to a halt, Swift and McGowan exited the vehicle and surrendered without resistance. Foy, however, remained inside the driver’s seat.
“Troopers approached to extract the driver when he suddenly opened fire,” said PSP Commissioner Christopher Paris. “This was not a standoff — this was immediate and deadly gunfire.”
Troopers Ambushed, Return Fire Under Heavy Attack
As Troopers attempted to break the driver’s side window to remove Foy, he allegedly opened fire with a handgun, striking Trooper Thomas Pack (23) and Trooper Lucas Amarose (31) multiple times.
Despite their wounds, the Troopers managed to return fire, ultimately killing Foy, who authorities say continued to fire while exiting the van. A third Trooper at the scene was not injured.
Commissioner Paris emphasized that first-aid trauma kits and tourniquets administered by fellow officers played a critical role in saving the lives of both injured Troopers.
Injured Troopers Identified, One Still Hospitalized
Authorities have since identified the wounded officers as:
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Trooper Thomas Pack, 23, who joined the PSP in June 2024. He was treated at the hospital and later released, now recovering at home.
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Trooper Lucas Amarose, 31, a 2017 PSP Academy graduate and a former offensive lineman for Wilkes University, who remains hospitalized in serious condition.
“These Troopers showed incredible bravery under fire,” Commissioner Paris said. “They fought back, saved each other’s lives, and stopped a violent criminal before he could do more harm.”
District Attorney: Use of Force “100% Justified”
District Attorney Ian Brink, after reviewing preliminary reports and body camera footage, said there was no doubt in his mind that the officers’ actions were legally and morally justified.
“This was a man with a gun, firing at law enforcement after committing multiple crimes and endangering countless motorists during a high-speed chase,” Brink said. “The Troopers responded with professionalism, bravery, and precision.”
Drugs and Cash Found in Van; Two Others in Custody
Following the shooting, a search of the van revealed a significant quantity of THC products, along with plastic bags containing white and brown powder, unmarked capsules, drug paraphernalia, and a large amount of cash.
Swift and McGowan, the two suspects who surrendered peacefully, are now facing a slew of felony charges, including:
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Retail Theft
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Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft
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Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Deliver Controlled Substances
Additionally, both face two misdemeanor drug-related charges. They are currently being held without bail in Franklin County Jail, with preliminary hearings set for October 21.
Public Assured: No Ongoing Threat
While the investigation remains active and ongoing, authorities assured the public that there is no continuing threat.
“This was an isolated incident involving specific suspects,” Commissioner Paris confirmed. “The situation was contained quickly, and the public can feel safe.”
Investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, and Maryland law enforcement are continuing to piece together the broader context of the suspects’ activities, including whether the group was involved in a larger drug distribution operation.
A Reminder of the Dangers Law Enforcement Faces
The incident has prompted widespread praise for the Troopers involved, who are being recognized for their courage under pressure. The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association released a statement thanking the public for their outpouring of support and urging continued prayers for Trooper Amarose’s recovery.
“This serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every day,” the statement read. “We are thankful that no innocent lives were lost and that our Troopers went home.”
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