LEBANON COUNTY, PA. (THECOUNT) — John McDowell, 47, was identified by the Lebanon County Coroner’s Office as the suspect killed in a trooper‑involved shooting Wednesday morning in Myersville, authorities confirmed.
McDowell was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the coroner’s office. The cause and manner of death will be determined following an autopsy, officials said.
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Pennsylvania State Police said troopers fatally shot McDowell after he confronted them as they were executing a search warrant related to a child pornography investigation at a residence at 65 Gable Drive in Myersville. The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations involving suspected possession and distribution of child pornography.
State Police said troopers entered the residence shortly after arriving at the scene to serve the warrant. As troopers attempted to make contact inside the home, McDowell allegedly confronted the officers. In response, troopers discharged their firearms.
State Police reported that no troopers were injured during the incident. All involved officers were wearing duty‑issued protective gear at the time of the confrontation, and preliminary reports indicate that officers acted in accordance with departmental training and use‑of‑force protocols.
The Pennsylvania State Police said troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedure in officer‑involved shootings.
The Pennsylvania State Police Major Case Team is conducting the investigation, with support from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement partners. Detectives will review physical evidence, body‑worn camera footage, witness statements, radio communications, and forensic findings to determine the sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Officials from the Pennsylvania State Police urged the public that no further threat exists in the community. The department said it is committed to transparency and will release additional information as soon as it becomes available and appropriate to do so.
At this time, the Pennsylvania State Police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the warrant service earlier Wednesday morning. Investigators have also not indicated whether any charges will be filed related to the underlying child pornography investigation that prompted the search warrant.
McDowell’s death marks the latest officer‑involved shooting in Pennsylvania this year. Law enforcement officials reiterated that serving search warrants involving serious felony investigations can involve unpredictable and potentially dangerous encounters, and they reaffirmed their support for the troopers involved.
A review of the incident will be conducted in accordance with state protocols to determine whether all applicable procedures were followed. The Attorney General’s Office will provide oversight of the investigative process, and the final findings will be released to the public when complete.
Neighbors and residents in the Myersville area reported seeing increased law enforcement activity at the Gable Drive residence early Wednesday morning as troopers and investigative teams secured the scene and processed evidence. No additional suspects have been reported in connection with the shooting or the underlying investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop L, Criminal Investigation Unit.
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