Guilford Township, PA – Pennsylvania State Police shared new details Thursday afternoon about a deadly shootout that left one person dead and two troopers seriously injured.
The incident occurred Wednesday evening after a retail theft at Dick’s Sporting Goods escalated into a high-speed chase and an intense gunfight.
Before the Chase
Troopers were called to Dick’s Sporting Goods on Lincoln Way East in Guilford Township around 6:15 p.m. for a report of retail theft involving three suspects identified as:
- Giani McGowen, 21
- Amir Swift, 21
- Lamar Foy, 31
All three suspects were from Baltimore.
According to investigators, store security footage showed the suspects filling a shopping cart with clothing items and leaving without paying. Foy pushed the cart out while McGowen and Swift followed.
They then loaded the stolen goods—valued at $1,066—into a green Chevrolet van with Maryland plates before fleeing the scene.
Police Pursuit
Troopers Thomas Pack, 23, and Lucas Amarose, 31, spotted the van traveling southbound on Interstate 81 near Exit 16 (Route 30/Lincoln Way) and activated their sirens.
The van did not stop, prompting a high-speed chase. Police deployed tire spikes twice, and the second attempt successfully disabled the van, causing it to veer into a field near Exit 3 (Route 11/Molly Pitcher Highway).
McGowen and Swift complied with commands and surrendered, but Foy refused to exit the vehicle, as per WGAL.
Fierce Gunfight
According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers broke the driver’s side window to remove Foy, who immediately began shooting from inside the van, striking both Pack and Amarose.
Foy then exited the van and continued firing, running toward the troopers and chasing them around patrol vehicles while shooting.
Despite their injuries, both troopers returned fire. A third trooper, who was not injured, shot Foy, killing him on the scene, PSP Lt. Col. George Bivens said.
Tourniquets and ballistic first-aid kits were used to stabilize the wounded troopers, with assistance from an off-duty doctor who stopped at the scene. Both troopers were then airlifted to the hospital.
Troopers’ Conditions
Troopers Pack and Amarose were taken to WellSpan York Hospital and initially listed in critical condition.
Pack was released Thursday morning and is recovering at home. Amarose remains hospitalized in serious condition following several surgeries.
Drugs and Money Found in Vehicle
Police obtained a search warrant for the Chevrolet van and found:
- A large quantity of THC
- Plastic bags containing white and brown powdery substances
- Unmarked capsules with unknown materials
- Drug paraphernalia, scales, and a large amount of cash
Investigators believe the theft and shooting were part of a larger criminal network.
McGowen and Swift face multiple charges, including:
- Retail theft
- Manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance
- Intent to possess a controlled substance
- Use or possession of drug paraphernalia
Ongoing Investigation
A joint investigation is being conducted by the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police Major Case Team.
Suspect’s Criminal History
Court records show that Lamar Foy had a long criminal history. In July 2011, he was charged with attempted first-degree murder, use of a handgun in a crime, and violation of probation.
