March 29, 2024

Springettsbury Township and York County have settled a civil lawsuit brought by the family of Todd William Shultz, who was fatally shot outside the Kmart on Haines Road in 2012.

The Township is required to accept the settlement as a business decision by its insurance carrier. I wish we had the opportunity to go to trial to present the facts; then we would have received the court’s decision regarding the Officers’ actions on the evening of December 29, 2012.   I stand behind the actions of the Officers who were forced to make a very difficult decision that evening based on the tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving circumstances confronting them.  The decision to take a life is one Officer’s hope they will never have to make, but are willing to do so for the sake of protecting innocent lives.  The loss of Mr. Shultz is an absolute tragedy for his family, friends, the Officers involved and the Officers’ families.  As a police department, we value every community member and grieve the death of Mr. Shultz despite the circumstances.

Daniel E. Stump

Chief of Police