Police work gets more dangerous

A Pennsylvania state trooper answering a backup call for assistance in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, became the latest example of the dangers of police work and nearly became the 104th trooper to lose his life in the line of duty since the state police was founded in 1905.

Thankfully, Cpl. Seth J. Kelly, 39, a 13-year state police veteran from Upper Nazareth Township, has improved from those critical hours last week when he was shot three times during what some described as a “routine” traffic stop.

The officer’s condition has been upgraded to “stable” from “extremely critical.” He underwent several surgeries, and more may be needed, according to attending physicians at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fountain Hill, Lehigh County.

The suspect, Daniel Khalil Clary, 22, of Effort, Monroe County, was charged with a total of 16 felony counts, including two counts of attempting to murder police officers.

He also is being charged with owning the unlicensed firearm he used in the shooting. He was shot in the exchange of gunfire with the wounded trooper and another trooper, Ryan Seiple, 31, who suffered cuts and bruises but who was not shot.

Seiple issued Clary a ticket for speeding on Route 33 near Stockertown. When Clary got out of his car to find out how to pay for the ticket, Seiple thought Clary might be under the influence of a narcotic and called for backup. After Kelly arrived, the troopers issued a field sobriety test, which Clary failed. As they tried to arrest Clary, he resisted.

According to a state police spokesman, “At this point, the suspect begins to violently resist arrest. The troopers were in a knockdown, drag-out fight along the side of Route 33 with vehicles speeding by them. It got very, very violent. Clary was tazed, but it did not have an effect. At some point, Clary got away from the troopers, went back to his car and got a gun.”

“He takes the weapon out and fires several shots at both of our troopers. Cpl. Kelly was struck several times. Our troopers were able to return fire, striking the suspect multiple times. Even after being shot, Clary was able to get back in his vehicle and drive away.” He drove to Easton Hospital, where police arrested him.

Even though he was shot three times and fell over a guide rail during the incident, Kelly applied a tourniquet to his most serious wound, which is believed to have saved his life.

Nationwide, the number of law enforcement officers killed and wounded in the line of duty increased in 2016, with firearm assaults among the leading causes of death.

In commenting on this latest shooting, Gov. Tom Wolf said, “This senseless act of violence is a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by all of our brave men and women in uniform. Across Pennsylvania, our troopers are keeping communities safe by putting themselves in harm’s way. We must never forget that.”

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli, who will be prosecuting the case against Clary, said he has been encouraged by the outpouring of support and concern for Kelly.

“I can honestly say that many people have stopped me everywhere I went to inquire on his recovery,” Morganelli said. “So many have expressed this to me that I passed this on to his wife. She was very moved to hear this. She reported that he is the toughest person she knows, and while he continues to do well, his recovery will take some time.

“In the meantime, let us all keep him and his family in our prayers, and let us also appreciate all the men and women who everyday place their lives in jeopardy to protect all of us,” Morganelli said.

Peace officers continue to face the greatest likelihood of being attacked while conducting vehicle stops. The traditional tasks performed with the most frequency remain the most dangerous. When it comes to police action, there is no such thing as “routine.”

Officers need to remain vigilant and prepared for any situation that develops. Rarely do officers have time to fully prepare for emergency calls. They have to rely on their training and make split-second decisions based on an ever-changing set of circumstances.

We may get our cheap thrills watching those scary police cases involving criminals on TV shows, but it’s a totally different matter for those making those life-endangering pursuits. People facing arrest are often willing to do anything to avoid jail time, and officers face the greatest danger when attempting to take them into custody.

What motivates people to pursue police careers that put them in danger every day? They do it because they want to contribute to making our society safe and bringing law and order to our communities.

We urge you to do your part by appreciating the efforts of these heroes and thanking them for their service.

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com