The suspect who shot two Pennsylvania state police officers in Antrim was identified as Lamar Foy
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pennsylvania — The use of lethal force by the Pennsylvania State Police during a violent confrontation on Interstate 81 in Antrim Township was “absolutely necessary and 100% justified,” according to Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink.
The incident, which occurred Wednesday night near exit 3 next to a Sheetz store, left two officers seriously injured and the shooter dead.During a Thursday press conference, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Commissioner Christopher Paris described the encounter as a “fierce shootout” that erupted following a high-speed chase.The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Lamar Foy from Maryland, opened fire on the State Police as they attempted to remove him from a truck after a pursuit.
Two State Police officers were struck multiple times by gunfire during the shootout.They were later identified as Officer Thomas Pack, 23, and Officer Lucas Amarose, 31.Officer Pack, who joined the State Police in June 2024, received treatment and was discharged from the hospital and is now recovering at home.Officer Amarose, who graduated from the academy in 2017 and hails from Mt. Carmel, and previously played on the offensive line for Wilkes University, remains hospitalized in serious condition.A third officer involved in the shooting was unharmed.Commissioner Paris emphasized that tourniquets and trauma first aid kits were critical in saving the lives of both officers after they were shot.
Authorities reported that the sequence began around 6:14 p.m., when police were alerted to a robbery at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the town of Guilford. Surveillance footage showed three suspects—later identified as Foy, 21-year-old Amir Swift, and 21-year-old Giani McGowan, both residents of Baltimore—leaving the store with merchandise valued at over $1,000. Police quickly located the trio’s Chevrolet van, which was traveling on I-81 near exit 16, and attempted to stop it. Foy, the driver, refused to pull over, initiating a high-speed pursuit southbound on the interstate.
Spiked barriers were deployed near Exit 3, disabling the vehicle. At that moment, Swift and McGowan got out of the truck and surrendered to the police without incident. However, Foy remained inside, prompting officers to approach and attempt to break the driver’s window to rescue him.It was then that Foy allegedly opened fire, hitting Pack and Amarose several times. Despite their injuries, the officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. Authorities reported that Foy exited the truck while continuing to shoot before being apprehended.
District Attorney Brink confirmed that the use of lethal force was “necessary to neutralize a dangerous and ongoing threat.” Investigators recovered a large amount of THC products, plastic bags with unknown white and brown powder substances, unmarked capsules, and a considerable amount of cash inside the truck, according to court documents. Authorities also found additional drug-related paraphernalia. Both Swift and McGowan have been charged with multiple felony offenses, including: Retail theft Conspiracy to commit retail theft Manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver controlled substances They also face two misdemeanor drug-related charges. Both suspects are held at the Franklin County Jail without bail, with preliminary hearings scheduled for October 21.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active but emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
