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Ricky Shannon, 22, an Altoona man, had filed a Protection of Abuse request against a 19-year-old on Nov. 5, the teen filed a PFA on Nov. 7 — yet the pair were found together after a high-speed chase on Friday, Nov. 8.
The First Shooting
It began with a call to 911 about four people shot and a man who fled in a "specific vehicle," later identified as a red pick-up truck, law enforcement explained at a press conference at 1 p.m.
A "domestic disagreement" led to that shooting in, according to Lt. Col. George Bivens. The shooting happened as soon as Shannon arrived at the home. The type of weapon used was not released.
Three adults were found shot at 348 Sassafras Terrace in the apartments off East Main Street around 4:15 a.m., the Mount Joy Borough police chief explained. Troopers were called to that incident around 4:30 a.m.
A woman was found dead at the scene, according to Bivens. Two victims were taken to an area hospital. Their conditions were not available at the time of publishing.
The Chase
The pursuit of the pickup truck went on for over 40 minutes, Bivens explained.
Local police and state troopers attempted traffic stops on 283 and then 322, but instead he struck approximately 12 vehicles — including police vehicles — thankfully no one in those vehicles was injured, police detailed at the press conference.
He continued to drive the wrong way at speeds between 95 and 100 mph, and police learned he was armed, Bivens said.
When he did stop — after a pit maneuver by troopers — he immediately opened fire at the police from the driver's side windshield, but his shots missed the officers and troopers, only hitting the vehicles, officials explained. They fired back and fatally shot Shannon. When the approached the vehicle to disarm him and render aid, they found the teenage girl in the driver's seat suffering from gunshot wounds. The police noted they had no idea there was anyone besides Shannon in the vehicle. They offered her care, but ultimately she died at the scene.
This led to the closure of PA Route 147 in both directions between Exit 230: US 22 West/US 322 West - Halifax and Mountain Road in Reed Township, as Dauphin County PSP Troop H PIO Megan Frazer previously detailed.
About The Initial Shooter
Ricky (who also went by Rick) attended Altoona High School and loved animals, according to his social media. The 19-year-old killed was reported his girlfriend, but her identity has yet to be confirmed, as of that of the woman killed at her home.
His last Facebook post was made at 8:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6:
"Just want to say sorry for putting people through this haven’t eaten for three days and I’m not even hungry. I try to eat. I get sick and I’m not feeling good now."
Additional information was not immediately available so check back here for updates.
His family and the other victims' families are invited to share more information with Daily Voice by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.
Editor's note: this article has been updated to clarify the number of adults shot in Mount Joy. The call from the residents said four people were shot but only three people were found shot at the home when officers arrived. It is possible the 19-year-old woman found in Shannon's pickup was initially part of the four but that remains unclear at the time of publishing.
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