PA State Police Update on Fatal Armed Robbery Attempt on Turnpike

FORT LITTLETON, Pa., March 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania State Police is investigating an armed robbery attempt that occurred this morning just before 7:00 a.m. at the Fort Littleton turnpike interchange, which is located in Dublin Township, Fulton County. 

The actor, Clarence D. Briggs from Newville, confronted two turnpike employees while they were performing their job duties within the toll booth area.  Briggs displayed a handgun and ordered both employees to enter the turnpike office building.  While inside the building, Briggs attempted to tie up both victims when a struggle ensued and Briggs fled the building.  Both employees exited the building, and at the same time, a fare collection vehicle arrived at the interchange. 

Turnpike employee Daniel Crouse and the fare collection vehicle security guard Ronald Heist were confronted by the actor and then shot and killed.  The actor then began to fire shots at the fare collection vehicle.  The driver of the fare collection vehicle was able to flee on foot.  Briggs then gained access to the fare collection vehicle and drove it a short distance across State Route 522 to an area where his car was parked.  Briggs attempted to unload money from the fare collection vehicle to his car.  

Troopers arrived at the scene minutes after the original call for assistance. The first trooper on scene encountered Briggs and gunfire was exchanged between the trooper and the actor.  Briggs was shot and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.  The Troop G, Hollidaysburg, major case team was activated to investigate.  The investigation is in its early stages and is ongoing.

Clarence D. Briggs was 55 years old and from Newville, PA.  He is a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper and retired from Troop T, Newville, in January 2012.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 
Tpr. Jeff Petucci, 814-771-9983 (State Police)
Carl DeFebo, 717-645-2265 (Turnpike)

SOURCE Pennsylvania State Police