Turnpike workers, suspect killed in botched robbery bid
FORT LITTLETON – A turnpike employee and another worker were shot and killed in a robbery attempt on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, state police said.
The robber, a retired state trooper, also was killed.
State police said the shooting occurred around 7 a.m. Sunday at the Fort Littleton interchange in Fulton County, about 65 miles west of Harrisburg.
The suspect, Clarence D. Briggs, 55, of Newville, confronted two turnpike employees in the toll booth area. Briggs displayed a handgun and ordered both employees to enter the turnpike office building, police said.
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 Briggs and then shot and killed, police said.
Briggs then began to fire shots at the fare collection vehicle, but the driver 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 minutes after the original call for assistance. The first trooper encountered Briggs and gunfire was exchanged.
Briggs died at the scene, police said.
Turnpike chairman Sean Logan said commissioners and other officials were “deeply saddened by this horrific tragedy.”