Holly MatkinJuniata County, PA – Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Trooper Jacques “Jay” Rougeau was murdered in the line of duty on Saturday while searching for a gunman who opened fire on a nearby state police stationhouse.
The incident began at approximately 11 a.m. on June 17, when 38-year-old Brandon Stine showed up at the PSP Troop G station in Lewistown and allegedly opened fire on multiple patrol vehicles using a high caliber rifle, WHP reported.
Stine then fled the scene.
One official likened the ensuing search for the gunman as “a game of cat and mouse,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Police said Stine was even calling 911 while police were searching for him, WHP reported.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., the suspect allegedly shot 45-year-old PSP Lieutenant James Wagner in Mifflintown Borough, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Witnesses used the radio in the wounded lieutenant’s patrol car to summon help after he was gunned down.
Lt. Wagner was rushed to a local hospital and later airlifted to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
The lieutenant, who was listed in critical condition on Sunday, was acting as the Troop G station commander on the day of the attack while PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris was participating in a media briefing alongside President Joe Biden and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in Philadelphia, according to the news outlet.
Police located Stine near a rural shopping plaza in Walker Township shortly before 3 p.m., The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Officials said customers inside a nearby restaurant ended up locking themselves inside as vehicles collided and officers leapt out of moving patrol units in their attempts to protect bystanders from the gunman.
Police ultimately surrounded the violent suspect in the parking lot of a restaurant on Swamp Road moments later.
During the ensuing shootout, Stine allegedly shot 29-year-old Trooper Jacques Rougeau through the windshield of his vehicle, WHP reported.
The suspect was fatally shot when police returned fire.
PSP Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens said the gunfight was “amazingly intense” and described the scene as “a war zone,” The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Lt. Col. Bivens would not provide details regarding Stine’s motive due to the ongoing investigation.
Officials confirmed Trooper Rougeau’s death on Sunday.
The young trooper was just shy of his third year of service with the PSP, WHP reported.
Trooper Rougeau was assigned to Troop J after graduating from the 160th cadet class and transferred to Troop G in March.
He leaves behind his wife, WHP reported.
“This is a tragedy for the Pennsylvania State Police,” Col Paris said. “We ask for your continued prayers for not only our Troopers, but also their families.”
Shapiro ordered Commonwealth flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Trooper Rougeau, WHP reported.
“We are working on a full and unlimited investigation,” Col Paris said on Sunday, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. “In my opinion, after watching and being briefed, it’s a miracle no members of the public were hurt or killed.”
Trooper Rougeau is the 104th PSP trooper to die in the line of duty, WHP reported.
RIP. Pennsylvania Trooper Jacques “Jay” F. Rougeau, Jr. was murdered when he was shot and killed during a manhunt for suspect who had shot a State Police pLieutenant an hour earlier. The Lieutenant is in serious condition at this time. STOP SHOOTING MY POLICE OFFICERS!!! pic.twitter.com/WcXZlqobo1
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) June 18, 2023
Trooper Rougeau paid the ultimate sacrifice, upholding his oath, protecting the community he proudly served. Our community. We thank you for your service. Please continue to keep everyone affected by this tragedy in your prayers. RIP brother, we got it from here. pic.twitter.com/BD4mCJqXJF
— Mifflintown Hose Co (@MHCNo1) June 19, 2023
RIP Trooper Jacques Rougeau Jr. From the Philadelphia Blue Flame and the community of Philadelphia, we thank you for your service to our country, and the citizens of Pennsylvania. Our prayers are with your family, and @PAStatePolice at this time. pic.twitter.com/9zBXdIFfDT
— PhillyBlueFlame (@PhillyBlueFlame) June 18, 2023
A small town in mourning. The whole Mifflintown area is grieving after @PAStatePolice Trooper Jacques Rougeau Jr. was shot and killed Saturday. Lt. James Wagner was also shot and remains hospitalized. @fox43 pic.twitter.com/lgvw8vuecu
— Alyssa Kratz (@AlyssaKratzNews) June 19, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jacques “Jay” Rougeau, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Trooper Jacques “Jay” Rougeau, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
