State police: Man planned ‘war’ with troopers
Howard T. Cofflin (Photo: Submitted)
(York) –State Police have announced the arrest of Howard Timothy Cofflin Jr., a man who they said plotted to kill his girlfriend, York County judgets and state police troopers.
Captain Adam Kosheba said Cofflin was planning to “go to war” with state police.
“He could have leveled at least a portion of this building and killed several people,” Kosheba said. “He had one part left to build his AR-15.”
An AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle that was first produced in the late 1950s as an automatic weapon (M-16) for the United States armed forces.
Propane tanks police believed Cofflin planned to use for explosive devices were on display during a press conference today.
The charges stem from statements made by Cofflin regarding his desire to kill his ex-girlfriend, state troopers and county judges. Police also say Cofflin purchased parts to fabricate an AR-15, supplies to build improvised explosive devices, and body armor and ammunition.
“This is one individual with one goal and one agenda,” York County prosecutor Tim Barker said in response to the charges, particularly in relation to the terrorism charge.
Barker credited Cofflin’s defense attorney coming forward about his client’s plans as a “huge factor” in those plans being thwarted.
Cofflin, who has held residences in Maryland and Pennsylvania, is being held on charges in Maryland. He said the extradition process would begin soon, Barker said.
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