State police say they've found cop-killing suspect's rifle

GREENSBURG, Pa. — State police say they've found the rifle allegedly used to kill a western Pennsylvania police officer.

The suspect, Ray Shetler Jr., had told police he lost the rifle while swimming across the Conemaugh River during a six-hour manhunt that followed the Saturday night shooting of St. Clair Township Officer Lloyd Reed.

But police say Tuesday the gun was found in woods near a trail, about a mile away from where Shetler was arrested.

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"This firearm was found off of that path in a thick area of brush and tucked under leaves and some brush," Trooper Steve Limani said.

A bloody sweatshirt was also found with several rounds of ammunition in its front pocket, according to authorities.

Police say Shetler, 31, of New Florence, shot Reed  after the 54-year-old officer responded to a domestic dispute called in by Shetler's girlfriend.

Police believe Shetler fired three shots, one of which killed Reed, who fired six shots at Shetler. Another officer fired a single shot.

Shelter, who was hit in the shoulder, is jailed on a homicide charge.

State police and paramedics were called back Monday night to the house where the shooting happened. Officials have not said why they were called.

On Saturday night, state police were on their way to the residence after a woman reported that Shetler bloodied her nose, threatened to kill her and himself, and used a wood-burning stove to fill the house with smoke.

Police from neighboring departments were called to assist, and Reed was the first to arrive.

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Police said he was shot in the torso with a rifle. The injured Shetler fled and was captured after a manhunt.

Three rounds were fired from Shetler’s rifle, including the fatal shot to Reed’s chest, police said. Six rounds were fired from Reed’s gun and another round was fired by a Seward police officer who showed up as backup.

The FBI and local investigators searched for the rifle for days, spending much of Monday scanning the Conemaugh River near New Florence.

On Tuesday, Channel 11's Melanie Gillespie confirmed that they found it.

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Meanwhile, an FBI evidence team was back at the crime scene on Ligonier Street working to piece together the events of that night.

According to police, Shetler claimed he didn’t realize Reed was an officer, but that’s different from witness statements.

Shetler was accused last year of endangerment and trespassing, according to court records obtained by Channel 11. Ten years ago he faced aggravated assault charges, but the case was dismissed.

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Channel 11's Lori Houy said a flag at the St. Clair Township Police Department was lowered to half-staff Sunday morning in memory of the fallen officer.

“I think he died the way he lived, trying to help, and he means a lot to our department and will be greatly missed,” St. Clair Township police Capt. Donald Hess said.

A makeshift memorial has also been set up, with residents placing flags and wreaths near the site of the shooting.

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A wreath has also been placed on Reed's police car at the St. Clair Township Police Department.

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Gov. Tom Wolf also ordered all flags in the capitol complex and all flags at state facilities in Westmoreland County to be lowered to half-staff in memory of Reed.

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

The flags will remain at half-staff until Reed is buried, and the governor urged all Pennsylvanians to participate in the tribute.

A funeral service for Reed will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the War Memorial, with the chaplain and assistant chaplain for the Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation, Dr. Jerry L. Keller and Leigh Applegate, officiating.

Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Richland Township.

A memorial fund has been established in Reed’s name. Anyone interested in donating can do so via PayPal by sending money to the Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WPXI