Pocono News Section

Troopers Open Fire After Man Rams Cruisers

Troopers Open Fire After Man Rams Cruisers - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 04:06AM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Tuesday May 25 2010
0/ 5 rating

WALKER TWP., SCHUYLKILL COUNTY -- A man is dead after a confrontation with police near Tamaqua this morning.

It happened around 7:30 A. M. when state police responded to reports of the cab portion of a tractor-trailer driving erratically through the Wildcat neighborhood. That's about a mile outside Tamaqua.

When troopers arrived they say 40-year-old Scott Mackelvey rammed the cab into a tree in a home's yard and took off on foot. A search ensued and a short time later the man returned to the same house and stole a pickup truck. Investigators believe Mackelvey knew the homeowners.

Troopers boxed the pickup in and he allegedly rammed the cruisers trying to get away. That's when an unknown number of troopers from the Frackville barracks opened fire.

The Schuylkill County coroner says Mackelvey was hit 3 or 4 times and pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday at Pottsville Hospital.

State police at Reading are leading the investigation since troopers from the local Frackville barracks were involved the shooting.