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St. Clair Twp. Officer Shot & Killed, Suspect Charged

NEW FLORENCE, Pa. (KDKA) -- A St. Clair Township Police officer was shot and killed Saturday night while responding to a domestic dispute.

Officials say Officer Lloyd Reed died at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.

State Police say Reed was responding to a domestic dispute call about 9:15 p.m. Saturday night at a home at 131 Ligonier Street in New Florence.

Officers say Reed exchanged gun fire with the suspect, Ray Shetler Jr., 31, of New Florence, and Shelter fled the scene.

Ray-Shetler-Jr.
Suspect: Ray Shelter Jr. Photo Credit: State Police

According to police, Shetler is being charged with criminal homicide. Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck believes that Shetler will also face charges that are involved with the domestic dispute.

Someone spotted Shetler Jr. walking along Route 711 in New Florence. He was arrested without incident.

State Police say he sustained a bullet wound to his right shoulder in the initial contact with police, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment. He remained in the hospital Monday morning.

Authorities say Officer Reed had been in law enforcement for 25 years.

On Sunday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced all flags will be lowered at half-staff in honor of Officer Reed.

"Thoughts and prayers are with family and colleagues of St. Clair Township Officer Reed who was killed in the line of duty last night," said Wolf. "Today, and every day, we are reminded of those that make the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe."

Flag at Half Staff
(Photo Credit: Photojournalist Dave Forstate)

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the War Memorial, with the Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain for Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation. Dr. Jerry L. Keller and Leigh Applegate will officiate. The address is 326 Napoleon Street, Johnstown, Pa 15901.

There's still time to send flowers to the visitation at the church from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 3 at 425 Luther Road, Johnstown, Pa 15904.

Electronic donations can be made at www.wppbf.org. Go to the donate page and click donation. In the memo, place the note, "Donation for Lloyd Reed Jr. Fund." Anyone can mail-in donations to Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Fund, c/o Tim Kreger. The address is 337 Winners Circle, Canonsburg, Pa 15317.

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