Tragedy in North Codorus Township: Three Officers Killed, Two Critically Wounded in York County Shooting
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — In what is being called one of the darkest days in York County law enforcement history, a police operation to serve an arrest warrant turned deadly on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, when a gunman opened fire on officers at a rural property in North Codorus Township. The violent encounter claimed the lives of three Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) detectives and critically wounded two more officers. The shooter, now officially identified as 24-year-old Matthew J. Ruth, was shot and killed at the scene by law enforcement.
A Community Shattered
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, leaving a deep wound in a community not accustomed to such violence. Authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. as officers approached a property at 1879 Haar Road to serve a warrant for Ruth’s arrest on multiple charges including stalking, loitering and prowling at night, and criminal trespass.
According to York County District Attorney Tim Barker, Ruth — who will now be referred to only as “the actor” to avoid glorifying his actions — opened fire almost immediately upon the officers’ arrival. He was heavily armed, reportedly carrying an AR-15-style rifle, and took a tactical position that enabled him to inflict maximum damage in a matter of moments.
The confrontation led to the deaths of:
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Detective Sergeant Cody Becker
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Detective Isaiah Emenheiser
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Detective Mark Baker
Two other officers, including one from NYCRPD, remain in critical condition at WellSpan York Hospital, which activated emergency protocols following the attack. Medevac helicopters were deployed rapidly to the rural scene, underscoring the chaotic and urgent nature of the response.
Remembering the Fallen
The Northern York County Regional Police Department released a statement mourning the loss of their colleagues:
“We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”
One of the fallen, Detective Mark Baker, had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. A former Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol officer, Baker began his career in 2001 in Philadelphia’s 25th District. He joined NYCRPD in 2004, where he had served ever since.
Each of the three detectives had built a legacy of service and sacrifice — their deaths have not only impacted their families but left a void in the tight-knit law enforcement community.
Disturbing Behavior Leading Up to the Attack
Court records and investigative reports paint a disturbing picture of Ruth’s behavior in the days and weeks prior to the deadly incident.
On September 16, a day before the shooting, a woman reported a suspicious male in camouflage clothing on her rural property. She said he was using binoculars and appeared to be watching her residence. Trail cameras confirmed the presence of a man in her driveway. Officers found a black 2000 Ford Ranger pickup truck nearby, which the woman believed belonged to the individual.
The woman and her daughter told investigators that the man was Matthew Ruth, the daughter’s ex-boyfriend. They disclosed that on August 20, the daughter’s vehicle had been set on fire in their driveway. Though she suspected Ruth, she had initially declined to press charges.
Later trail camera footage further confirmed their suspicions: it showed a man dressed in full camouflage aiming what appeared to be a scoped rifle toward the home. The daughter identified the man as Ruth. The weapon slung across his chest appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle, matching the firearm used in Wednesday’s shooting.
Based on the mounting evidence, authorities issued a warrant for Ruth’s arrest. Tragically, when law enforcement attempted to execute that warrant the following day, Ruth responded with deadly violence.
Misinformation and Mistaken Identity
In the aftermath of the shooting, an unrelated man — also named Matt Ruth, from Hanover, Pennsylvania — found himself falsely identified as the shooter due to viral social media posts.
Photos of the innocent individual were widely circulated across major platforms, including a post by Occupy Democrats that was shared over 71,000 times in under 12 hours. Mainstream and fringe news outlets, including Economic Times, also published the incorrect images, compounding the mistake.
The man, who publicly clarified that he is not 24 years old and is alive, pleaded with the public to “stop posting my pictures.” He described the experience as “outrageous” but said he appreciated those who reached out to support him.
Authorities have since issued strong warnings to the public to rely only on verified law enforcement sources and refrain from sharing unverified information during ongoing investigations.
The Investigation Continues
The Pennsylvania State Police and the York County District Attorney’s Office are now conducting a full investigation into Ruth’s background, actions in the days leading up to the shooting, and how he was able to prepare for such a deadly confrontation without detection.
District Attorney Tim Barker has pledged transparency and diligence, vowing to support the families of the fallen officers while also ensuring that the broader community learns from this tragic event.
A Region in Mourning
North Codorus Township, a quiet rural community, is now grappling with an incident that has left its mark on the entire York County region. Vigils are being planned, and law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania and beyond have extended condolences and offers of support.
This tragedy has highlighted the dangers officers face each day, even during routine operations like serving a warrant. More importantly, it has reminded the public of the real human cost borne by those who wear the badge.
As York County grieves the loss of three dedicated detectives and prays for the recovery of two more, there is hope that their sacrifices will not be in vain — and that their memory will inspire a renewed commitment to justice, community, and truth.
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