Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Identified, Facing Another Surgery After Being Shot
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) - A suspect has been charged as a Pennsylvania State Police corporal is fighting for his life after being shot during a routine traffic stop on Tuesday morning.
It happened on Route 191, near Route 33, in Plainfield Township.
Officials say the trooper was conducting a traffic stop when he was shot by the suspect.
According to police, 13-year-veteran Cpl. Seth Kelly and six-year-veteran Trooper Ryan Seiple were conducting a field sobriety test on the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Daniel Clary. When they went to arrest him, police say the suspect violently resisted.
BREAKING: This is a photo of Corporal Seth Kelly, gravely wounded in a shootout in Northampton County. He is a 13-year veteran of the force. @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/84yYXNYN9b
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) November 8, 2017
Police say at some point the suspect got free and retrieved a gun from his vehicle and shot Cpl. Kelly three times.
The corporal was airlifted to St. Luke's Hospital where he is being treated in the intensive care unit for multiple gunshot wounds.
Troop M reports one trooper shot during traffic stop on Rt. 191, Plainfield Twp., Northampton County. More information to come as available.
— PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) November 7, 2017
Dozens of state troopers gathered outside of St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem to honor their injured brother.
"He has a will to live, God willing he will pull through this," said Pennsylvania State Police Capt. Richard D'Ambrosio. "He's out of surgery right now, he is an extremely critical condition but he is stable so we are very hopeful that he's a little progress that he's made in the last couple hours, I'm hopeful that it will continue," said D'Ambrosio.
Police say Clary also suffered gunshot wounds and drove himself to Easton Hospital where he was taken into custody. Authorities say he was undergoing surgery.
In dashcam video obtained by CBS3 a driver captures Clary rushing himself to the hospital after the shooting. Video shows the vehicle merge from the shoulder with his back window shattered.
Clary has been charged with criminal homicide, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and other similar charges.
"The thoughts of every Pennsylvania State Police employee are with our wounded member at this time," said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Tyree Blocker. "We remain grateful to the multitude of first responders and medical professionals who have provided care, and to all Pennsylvanians for their continued support."
Cpl. Kelly remains in critical but stable condition. He is expected to have another surgery.
Praying for this trooper and their family. My thoughts are with all of the @PAStatePolice. https://t.co/tuolQswz7P
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) November 7, 2017
Governor Tom Wolf released the following statement:
"Frances and I are praying for this trooper, the family and every member of the Pennsylvania State Police. This senseless act of violence is a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by all our brave men and women in uniform. Across Pennsylvania, our troopers are keeping communities safe by putting themselves in harm's way. We must never forget that. I ask all Pennsylvanians to join us in keeping all those affected, especially the corporal, in their thoughts today."
