Lieutenant James W. was overseeing multiple Pennsylvania State Police stations across the region when an armed suspect opened fire on one of the stations and several squad cars in the parking lot. Before anyone could respond, the gunman fled and began driving around, actively searching for Troopers.

Rather than staying back at the command center, Lieutenant James W. joined in on the search and was ambushed by the shooter. He was shot in the right shoulder blade through the passenger door of his unmarked squad car and was critically injured. After hearing of the incident, many more Troopers joined the search for the suspect, including some who were off-duty. One off-duty trooper rushed into the station, suited up, and began searching before he was also ambushed by the suspect and unfortunately lost his life almost immediately.

There were witnesses on scene who performed lifesaving CPR and First Aid until EMS responders arrived to transport Lieutenant James W. to the hospital, where he was quickly flown to a facility with more advanced capabilities. Lieutenant James W. was in the ICU for a long time, undergoing multiple lifesaving surgeries. He sustained serious injuries to not only his shoulder but also his spine due to the scattering of shrapnel and bone shards caused by the bullet. He has been in multiple rehab facilities since the incident and will endure even more surgeries and rehabilitation efforts. 

Luke’s Wings has provided over 12 flights for Lieutenant James’ sons to visit him throughout his recovery, bringing him the comfort and joy of his family at his bedside when it mattered most.