North Codorus Township, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A gunman ambushed police officers in North Codorus Township, resulting in the deaths of three officers and critical injuries to two others. The attack occurred while law enforcement was responding to domestic violence claims related to the shooter’s ex-girlfriend. The incident has left the community mourning and appreciating the bravery of the fallen officers.
North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania – Gunman Ambushes Police Officers
On September 17, 2025, a tragic shooting incident in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania, left three police officers dead and two others critically wounded. The gunman, identified as 24-year-old Matthew Ruth, ambushed law enforcement as they approached his home while investigating domestic violence claims related to his ex-girlfriend.
The shooting began when officers entered Ruth’s home, which had been reported empty except for a dead family dog that Ruth had shot. The three officers killed were Det. Sgt. Cody Becker, Det. Mark Baker, and Det. Isaiah Emenheiser, all from the Northern York County Regional Police. Tragically, two additional officers, including one Northern York detective and one York County sheriff’s deputy, sustained critical injuries during the confrontation.
This deadly incident stemmed from a stalking investigation involving Ruth’s former partner. Police had been alerted to Ruth’s behavior and had visited the residence the night before the shooting. When officers approached the front door, which was unlocked, they were immediately met with gunfire as Ruth opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle. The officers attempted to retreat, but Ruth continued shooting as they moved outside.
The confrontation continued in the open, where Ruth targeted the two injured officers. The exchange of fire lasted approximately two minutes, at which point law enforcement returned fire, resulting in Ruth being fatally shot.
District Attorney Timothy Barker commended the fallen officers, stating they potentially saved the lives of Ruth’s ex-girlfriend and her mother. The community responded with deep sorrow, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by the officers, with Police Chief David Lash describing them as the best of policing.
Det. Becker, a father of four, was particularly noted for heroically saving three children from a fire in 2010. Det. Emenheiser had previously faced life-threatening situations, having been shot at by a suspect in 2018 without injury.
The investigation into Ruth began following reports of him stalking his ex-girlfriend and lurking outside her home armed with an AR-15. Authorities had issued an arrest warrant for Ruth on charges of stalking and prowling prior to the shooting, further heightening the urgency of their response. Surveillance footage helped identify Ruth’s presence outside the home before the incident.
Following the shooting, local schools were placed under a temporary shelter-in-place order, which was ultimately lifted. Governor Josh Shapiro and other officials condemned the violence, labeling the incident devastating for the community and emphasizing the need for societal improvements to address domestic violence. In honor of the fallen officers, flags across Pennsylvania were ordered to be lowered to half-staff.
Key Facts
- Event: Gunman ambushes police officers
- Date: September 17, 2025
- Location: North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania
- Gunman: Matthew Ruth, 24
- Officers Killed: Det. Sgt. Cody Becker, Det. Mark Baker, Det. Isaiah Emenheiser
- Injured Officers: Two critically wounded
- Investigation Origin: Domestic violence case involving Ruth’s ex-girlfriend
- Ruth’s Behavior: Reported stalking, armed with an AR-15
- Response: Two minutes of gunfire; Ruth killed by law enforcement
- Community Response: Sorrow and gratitude towards fallen officers
- Governor’s Response: Condemnation of violence, call for societal improvements
FAQ
What happened on September 17, 2025, in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania?
On September 17, 2025, a gunman named Matthew Ruth ambushed law enforcement officers in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania, killing three and wounding two in a violent confrontation.
Who were the officers involved in the incident?
The officers killed were Det. Sgt. Cody Becker, Det. Mark Baker, and Det. Isaiah Emenheiser of the Northern York County Regional Police.
What prompted the police response on the day of the shooting?
The police response was prompted by a domestic violence investigation involving Ruth and reports of him stalking his ex-girlfriend.
How did the community react to the shooting?
The community expressed deep sorrow and gratitude towards the fallen officers, with officials condemning the violence and recognizing the officers’ sacrifices.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gunman | Matthew Ruth, 24 |
| Officers Killed | Det. Sgt. Cody Becker, Det. Mark Baker, Det. Isaiah Emenheiser |
| Injured Officers | Two critically wounded (one detective, one deputy) |
| Incident Type | Domestic violence investigation |
| Weapon Used | AR-15-style rifle |
| Response Duration | Approximately two minutes of gunfire |
| Community Impact | Community mourning and gratitude expressed |
| Governor’s Action | Flags ordered to half-staff |
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Additional Resources
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