Authorities have identified the suspect in Wednesday’s deadly Pennsylvania shooting that left three police officers dead and two more wounded.

According to law enforcement sources, the gunman was 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth of Hanover, who was wanted on stalking and related charges before opening fire during a confrontation with police.

Ruth was killed by officers after the exchange of gunfire, which unfolded in North Codorus Township.

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The incident stemmed from a domestic-related investigation that began the night before, when Ruth was reported to have been seen outside the home of his ex-girlfriend while armed with a rifle.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local media outlets, a 911 caller told police on Tuesday night that Ruth was dressed in camouflage, looking into the residence with binoculars.

Trail camera images provided to police showed him with an AR-15 rifle strapped to his chest as he peered into the home.

The resident’s daughter informed officers with the Northern York County Regional Police Department that she had briefly dated Ruth, but that he was never invited to her home.

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Police located his black pickup truck in the area that night, but after an extended search, they were unable to find him.

By Wednesday morning, Ruth had been charged with stalking, prowling at nighttime, and criminal trespass, according to court records.

Officers returned to the same residence later that afternoon as part of their ongoing investigation.

At approximately 2:10 p.m., police said Ruth opened fire on them, triggering the deadly confrontation.

Three officers were fatally shot during the exchange, though authorities have not yet released their names or identified their law enforcement agencies.

Two other officers sustained serious injuries and remain in critical but stable condition, officials confirmed.

Court documents reviewed by Fox 43 revealed that the woman involved had previously reported another incident to police.

On Sept. 11, she told officers her pickup truck had been set on fire in her driveway on Aug. 20.

While she suspected Ruth might have been responsible, she told investigators she was not certain.

Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the shooting on Thursday, condemning the violence and calling for measures to prevent similar tragedies.

“This kind of violence isn’t OK. We need to do better as a society,” Shapiro said.

“We need to help the people who think picking up a gun, picking up a weapon is the answer to resolving disputes … So we don’t need to deal with tragedies like this.”

The deadly confrontation has left the community and law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania in mourning.

Officials have not yet provided further details on the investigation, including whether additional charges related to the earlier arson report will be pursued.

The identities of the fallen officers are expected to be released following notification of their families.

For now, authorities continue to examine the events leading up to the deadly encounter, including Ruth’s history with the victim and the circumstances that escalated into gunfire.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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