PSP: Sugarloaf PD, man exchange shots after traffic stop; man killed
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A State Police patrol car blocks West County Road at Welsh Road in Black Creek Township as an investigation took place in Sugarloaf Township on Feb. 17, 2026.
SYBERTSVILLE – A man is dead after police say traffic stop went awry, ending in a brief shootout in the Conyngham Valley late Monday evening.
West County Road between Welsh Road and Sugarloaf Mountain Drive in Sugarloaf Township, west of Conyngham, was closed well past midnight into Tuesday morning.
State Police at Hazleton said troopers were investigating an officer-involved shooting.
Troopers said, around 9:30pm Monday evening, Sugarloaf Township Police attempted to stop a vehicle which did not yield for two miles.
The car eventually stopped and the driver, a 66-year-old man, exited the car and advanced towards and aimed a long gun at the township officer.
He fired several shots at the officer, striking the patrol car, troopers said.
The officer returned fire, killing the man. His identity has not yet been released.
A passenger in the stopped car, a 50-year-old man, was taken to Luzerne County Prison on an unrelated warrant.
The Sugarloaf Township officer is on administrative leave, troopers said.
In a statement, the Sugarloaf Township Police Department extended gratitude to township residents.
“In times of high stress and active investigations, the patience and cooperation of our community members is invaluable,” the department said. “We appreciate the support shown to the responding police agencies, local fire departments and the State Police as they continue their work to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.”
“Our thoughts are with our officer and all those impacted by these events,” they added. “We remain committed to your safety and will continue to provide updates as they become available through official channels.”
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