After thorough investigation, York County District Attorney Tom Kearney has determined the shooting death of 72-year old Clifton Thomson was justifiable homicide. Officers were called to Thomson’s home in Conewago Township just after 1:30 a.m. on the morning of February 21st.

Thomson had told county dispatchers  that he had a gun and was going to shoot himself. Upon arrival, officers were able to get Thomson’s wife out of the house safely before locating Thomson in the home with a high powered rifle.

Officers attempted to negotiate with Thomson but he refused to put down his weapon and fired one round at officers. Police tried a second time to negotiate with Thomson and he exited the back of the home and refused to drop his gun when officers identified themselves.

Thomson advanced towards the officers while pointing his rifle directly at them and would not listen to commands to stop. Four rounds were shot from a patrol rifle, striking and killing Thomson.

District Attorney Tom Kearney determined the manner of death was justifiable homicide and the officers involved in the shooting have been cleared to return to duty.

Just after 2 a.m. this morning, officers from Northern York Regional Police responded to Hykes Mill Road to check on the welfare of a 72-year old man. Clifton Thomson had contacted Adams County crisis and told them he was considering harming himself.

Police were contacted and responded to Thomson’s home. Officers were able to get Thomson’s wife safely out of the home and began trying to negotiate with him. He was armed with a rifle and refused to put it down.

Thomson began to fire the rifle at officers from a close range and then ran out the back door, coming even closer and continuing to fire the rifle. One officer opened fire and took Thomson down. No police officers were injured in this incident and Thomson’s wife was not injured.

The involved officers were placed on administrative leave per department policy. Pennsylvania State Police will be handling the investigation at the request of the York County District Attorney.