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Trooper who led pursuit named Officer of the Year

MARK MARONEY/Sun-Gazette Marie H. McGee, of the Travelers Protective Association of Lycoming County, presents Trooper Ernest J. Capobianco, of the Pennsylvania State Police, Thursday with the Police Officer of the Year award at the 22nd annual banquet at the Little League complex at South Williamsport.

Trooper Ernest J. Capobianco of the Pennsylvania State Police was presented Thursday with the Police Officer of the Year award.

The award, presented every year since 1973, was given by the Travelers Protective Association of Lycoming County.

Capobianco responded to a report of an exchange of gunfire as city Patrolman Nicholas Carrita had stopped a car in the 1500 block of West Third Street on the evening of Nov. 7, 2017. Carrita suffered a single gunshot wound to the right arm.

Capobianco became the lead vehicle in pursuit of the shooter, said Marie H. McGee, committee chairwoman.

The trooper pursued a Dodge Charger driven by Paul Heath on Route 220 west to the Thompson Street exit at Jersey Shore. The 27-year-old Health turned the vehicle around and drove back toward Williamsport, firing at least three rounds at the patrol vehicle, and ending the chase at the Sheetz store, where he was surrounded and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The 13-year Army veteran and sergeant and three-year trooper stationed at the Montoursville barracks used his training and skill to make sure nobody was injured.

While there were patrons fueling vehicles and going into the store, no civilians or law enforcement personnel were harmed at the gas station.

“I was doing my job,” Capobianco said, adding the pursuit was a multi-department effort.

“It happens real quick,” he said, breaking up briefly with emotion. “I’m honored to accept this award.”

State Rep. Jeff Wheeland, R-Loyalsock Township, presented the trooper with a citation from the House of Representatives, on behalf of his colleagues state Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, and House Speaker Mike Turzai, and the Senate on behalf of Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township.

Lycoming County Judge Joy R. McCoy, a guest speaker, cited police for their courage in trying times.

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