The Price of Valor: A Gunfight on I-81 Leaves Troopers Wounded

The tranquility of Antrim Township was shattered Wednesday evening by an act of stunning, reckless violence that reminds us all of the profound danger faced by law enforcement every day. A routine traffic stop, following a high-speed chase related to a retail theft, turned into a harrowing, chaotic gunfight. Two dedicated members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Trooper Lucas Amarose (31) and Trooper Thomas Pack (23), were shot multiple times. This brazen attack by the suspect, Lamar Foy (31) of Maryland, has left one trooper fighting for his recovery in serious condition and has shaken the entire region to its core. The community’s collective heart is heavy, weighed down by the terror and the near-fatal wounds inflicted on these young men who stood between the public and an active threat.

The Stolen Gun and the Suspect’s Deadly Intent

The violence was not a tragic accident; it was a deliberate, shocking escalation. The confrontation began after a pursuit that followed the suspects’ van, which was loaded with over $1,000 in stolen merchandise and large amounts of drugs. After spike strips disabled the vehicle near I-81, the suspect, Lamar Foy, immediately opened fire with a stolen .40-caliber handgun. Authorities detailed a fierce gun battle where Foy not only fired from inside the van but then emerged and actively attempted to chase down the wounded troopers. His intent was unequivocally described as “an extreme threat of deadly force.” Troopers ultimately returned fire, killing Foy at the scene and neutralizing the threat. The heroism of the officers who stayed in the fight, even while seriously wounded, likely saved lives and prevented further chaos on the highway.

Rallying for the Blue: Praying for Troopers Amarose and Pack

While the violence has ended, the difficult path to recovery is just beginning for our heroes. Trooper Lucas Amarose, who is only 31, is in serious condition after undergoing extensive surgery, showcasing the severity of his wounds. Meanwhile, Trooper Thomas Pack, just 23, is thankfully recovering at home after being treated and released. These two troopers represent the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police—brave, committed, and selfless. As the investigation into this crime ring continues, the community must now shift its focus to supporting the families of Troopers Amarose and Pack. We are eternally grateful that we are not planning two line-of-duty funerals today. Let us wrap our prayers and support around these courageous men and their families as they navigate the long and challenging road back to health. We stand with the PA State Police.