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Sex Offender Shot Dead By US Marshals Trying To Serve Warrant For Elizabethtown Rape: DA

A man wanted on charges in connection with a violent rape in Elizabethtown Borough was shot dead in what the Lancaster County District Attorney's office is calling "an officer-involved shooting" on Thursday afternoon. 

Shane Robert Kelec when he first was added to the sex offender reigstry in 2021 (right), in August 2023 (left), and US Marshals Service Taske Force members serving an arrest warrant (center).

Shane Robert Kelec when he first was added to the sex offender reigstry in 2021 (right), in August 2023 (left), and US Marshals Service Taske Force members serving an arrest warrant (center).

Photo Credit: Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law PA Sexual Offender Registry (outside); US Marshals Service

Shane Robert Kelec, 38 of the 1700 block of Stone Mill Road, Lancaster was wanted on rape and aggravated assault, among other changes for the terrifying incident that happened in the 900 block of Hedgewyck Lane, Elizabethtown, as detailed in the DA's original release.

He had a firearm on him when members of the United States Marshals’ Eastern District Violent Crimes Task Force tracked him down to the 1500 block of South Market Street, Mount Joy Township, Elizabethtown around 2:51 p.m. on Dec. 28, the DA explained in the release. 

That's when the "incident" happened and "officers fired," as stated in the release. Kelec was pronounced dead, and a firearm was found at the scene near his body, according to the release. 

Kelec's next of kin have been notified, the DA's Media Specialist Sean McBryan told us. 

He also answered some of our reader's questions:

  • Elizabethtown residents told us they thought they heard nine shots, but we were informed that the DA's office "can’t confirm how many shots at this time."
  • Which department was the involved officer(s) who fired the fatal shot from? He confirmed it was the officers with the US Marshals’ Eastern District Violent Crimes Task Force

The Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams will review the incident and decide on the officers's use of force following an investigation. 

The Elizabethtown Police, Northwest Regional Police, the US Marshals, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office were all on the scene.

Click here to read about the violent and terrifying rape he was accused of, which left a woman with broken bones and a brain injury. 

Editor's Note: This article has been updated with responses from Sean McBryan following numerous questions and comments sent to Daily Voice by loyal readers, thank you. 

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