NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Court documents are revealing chilling events that unfolded just one day before a deadly shooting in York County that claimed the lives of three police officers, left two others critically wounded, and ended with the suspected gunman dead. Investigators say the suspect had already been the subject of a troubling complaint involving stalking, arson, and prowling on a rural property.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, a woman contacted police after spotting a man dressed in camouflage looking into her home. She said her trail camera system captured the intruder standing on her driveway and carrying binoculars. When an officer arrived at the farm, the suspect was gone, but a black 2000 Ford Ranger pickup truck was discovered parked near a wooded area. The woman told police she believed the intruder may have driven that vehicle.
Further investigation led police to speak with the woman’s daughter, who described a history of disturbing encounters. She revealed that on August 20, her pickup truck had been set on fire while parked outside the home. Although she initially suspected her ex-boyfriend, she chose not to pursue charges at the time. The daughter later provided police with a still image from the trail camera showing a man in camouflage standing behind her vehicle and aiming a scope-like device at the residence.
The daughter identified the man in the photo as her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ruth. She emphasized that their relationship had been brief and that he was never welcome at her home. Investigators reviewing the image also noted that Ruth appeared to have an AR-15 style rifle slung across his chest, heightening concerns about the potential for violence. Officers immediately began searching for Ruth that day but were unable to locate him.
Based on the evidence gathered, police filed for a warrant charging Ruth with stalking, loitering and prowling at night, and criminal trespass. Authorities believed his escalating behavior posed a threat to the family, citing the combination of suspected arson, surveillance, and the presence of a high-powered rifle. Despite their efforts, Ruth remained at large at the time of the affidavit.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Ruth was directly responsible for the September 17 ambush that left three officers dead and two others fighting for their lives. However, the connection between the affidavit and the deadly standoff has raised troubling questions about warning signs that went unheeded. The investigation into Ruth’s actions and the tragic police shooting remains ongoing.