Deputy U.S. Marshal from York County killed in the line of duty in Harrisburg
Crime tape stretches across a road near the scene of a shooting Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Harrisburg. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)
This is a breaking news story. As often happens in situations like these, some information reported early may turn out to be inaccurate. We’ll move quickly to correct the record and we’ll only point to the best information we have at the time.
(Washington D.C.) — The name of the Deputy U.S. Marshal killed in the line of duty this morning in Harrisburg has been released.
45-year-old Christopher David Hill of York County was shot and killed while serving a warrant at approximately 6:30 a.m.
“We are all extremely saddened by the tragic death of our brother in Harrisburg,” said David J. Anderson, Acting Deputy Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “He was a devoted public servant who dedicated his life to making his community and this nation safer. We will never forget his commitment and courage. The nation lost a hero today.”
Hill joined the Marshals Service in 2006 in Washington, D.C., and transferred to Harrisburg in 2009.
The Army veteran also served with the agency’s Special Operations Group.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
The 11-year-veteran was part of a Marshals Service task force executing a warrant for the arrest of Shayla Lynette Towles Pierce, who was wanted by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police for terroristic threat offenses.
“Deputy Hill served the American people and the citizens of this community with courage,” said U.S. Marshal Martin Pane, who was Hill’s supervisor. “He will be missed and words cannot say how much,” “I ask that you keep his wife and two children in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
U.S. Marshal Martin Pane discusses the loss of Deputy Marshall Christopher Hill. (Photo by Brett Sholtis/WITF)
The officers found Pierce in a house in the 1800 block of Mulberry Street.
As the team was executing the warrant, a man in the house with Pierce opened fire on them.
The three task force officers — including one from the Harrisburg police force and York City Police Officer Kyle Pitts — were hit during the assault.
U.S. Attorney Dave Freed says the third officer may have been struck in his body armor but was not wounded.
Hill was transported immediately to UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg hospital where he died.
“None of us has sufficient words to express our grief and sorrow,” Freed said.
The other officers were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The unidentifed man was shot and killed..
Shayla Lynette Towles Pierce is now in custody.
The investigation is being handled by Harrisburg Bureau of Police and FBI.
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