District attorney: Troopers’ use of deadly force ‘legally permissible’

(Chambersburg) — Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers acted within the law when they discharged their firearms, resulting in the shooting of a Chambersburg man during an incident on July 17 in Letterkenny Township, Franklin County District Attorney Matthew Fogal said in a news release issued Thursday evening.

The troopers, whom authorities have not identified, exchanged gunfire with Larry Woodal Jr., Chambersburg, upon responding at about 8:21 p.m. to a complaint of shots fired in the vicinity of Woodal’s home in the Letterkenny Park mobile home court on an unnamed street just off Rocky Springs Road.

One round fired by Woodal struck one of the troopers in the right leg, prompting return fire from police. According to the criminal complaint filed with Magisterial District Judge Kelly Rock, Woodal was struck in an undisclosed area of the body by a least one round as he retreated inside his residence and continued to fire at police.

Woodal was charged with attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, among other crimes. An investigation was also opened against the troopers involved in the gunfire exchange.

“I have reviewed that investigation, and have determined that not only was the use of force legally permissible in defense of themselves, but also that the troopers acted bravely and with tactical proficiency and discipline throughout the ordeal,” Fogal said in the release. “Indeed, as a result of their heroic efforts and their training, none of the many bystanders at the scene was harmed and no casualties occurred.”

Fogal added: “I would like to take this opportunity to inform the community that the actions of these troopers were utterly reasonable, appropriate and correct. Furthermore, I am not overstating the case by saying that these troopers risked their lives during this incident, and our citizenry has every reason to be proud of them.

In a note concluding the news release, Fogal said he reminds readers that while Woodal is accused of various offenses, he like all defendants is innocent until proven guilty.

Fogal also said that he will make no other statements regarding the case against Woodal, as ethics guidelines prohibit him from discussing facts pertaining to an open criminal investigation pending judicial proceedings.

Read more about the incident here.

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