Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Thursday, November 11, 2010
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: J2038
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 11, 2010
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death
Wildlife Conservation Officer David Grove was shot and killed on Schriver Road, near Red Rock Road, in Freedom Township, Adams County, at approximately 10:45 pm.
Officer Grove was in the area to investigate reports of ongoing night-time shooting and poaching. He had stopped a suspected poacher just south of Gettysburg National Military Park. As he handcuffed the man, a struggle ensued, and the subject opened fire on Officer Grove with a .45 caliber handgun, striking him four times. Although mortally wounded, Officer Grove was able to return fire, wounding the suspect in the hip. The suspect fled the scene with the handcuffs still on his left wrist.
The suspect, who was a convicted felon, was captured the following morning at a nearby hunting camp and charged with Officer Grove's murder. He stated that he shot Officer Grove because he didn't want to return to prison.
On October 2, 2012, the subject was convicted of first-degree murder in connection. He was subsequently sentenced to death.
The officer had served as a full-time wildlife conservation officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for three years and had previously served as a part-time officer with the agency for six years. He is survived by his parents and fiancee.