According to authorities, Hanover police are currently on the lookout for a “armed and dangerous” individual from Hanover. This search comes after a 34-year-old man was shot during a dispute with a neighbor in an apartment building located on the 100 block of Broadway in downtown Hanover.
The Hanover police released a statement describing the suspect as a 39-year-old Hanover man. He is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6’5″ tall with a thin build, brown eyes, and black hair. The suspect was last seen fleeing the area in a gray Ford F-150 extended cab, heading north on Broadway.
“The suspect is believed to be in possession of a handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous,” the release said.
The release did not provide the name of the suspected shooter.
Police responded to a report of gunshots at an apartment building on the 100 block of Broadway at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Upon their arrival, the officers discovered a 34-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was promptly taken to York Hospital for medical attention, where it was determined that his injuries were not life-threatening.
According to police, during the investigation, it was revealed that the victim had engaged in a confrontation with his 39-year-old neighbor, resulting in the display of a firearm. The altercation escalated when a gunshot was fired, ultimately hitting the victim in the chest.
The police called for the assistance of the York County Quick Response Team, believing that the shooter was still present inside the building. The team promptly arrived and thoroughly searched the premises, ensuring that there were no remaining threats. However, it was determined that the shooter had already fled the scene before the police’s arrival.
According to a statement released by the police department, they believe that this incident is an isolated one. However, they have also cautioned the public that the suspected shooter is believed to be armed and dangerous.
If you witnessed the incident or have any additional information, please get in touch with the Hanover Borough Police Department at 717-637-5575 or reach out to York County 911.
The Hanover police received assistance from various organizations during the incident. The Penn Township Police Department, York County Quick Response Team, and fire police from Hanover Area Fire & Rescue, Pleasant Hill, Irishtown, Littlestown, Southeastern Adams Volunteer Services, United Hook and Ladder, and Northeast Adams Fire & EMS all provided support.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., the York County Quick Response Team left the scene following the arrival of multiple heavily armed officers and SWAT vehicles at the Old Post Office near the location of the shooting. Among those vehicles were the York County Mobile Command Unit, a tactical unit, and a negotiation unit, accompanied by more than a dozen police cars.
After the Quick Response Team and other agencies left, the Hanover Borough police continued their investigation at the apartment building.
A patient was seen being transported from the scene in an ambulance that had responded to the rear of the apartment building.
Rifles drawn, officers were spotted positioned next to the entrance of an apartment building, situated above Hanover’s Lucky Spot Diner. Equipped with ballistic shields, they cautiously made their way into the apartment’s entranceway.
The Lucky Spot, in a social media post, clarified that no shooting took place at their establishment. However, they did mention that they share the same address with the apartments located upstairs.
The fire police closed off Broadway at the square and at Locust Street, as well as other nearby roads.
Downtown Hanover had planned to host a delightful hot chocolate and cookie stroll around local businesses at approximately 12:30 p.m. In addition, there would be joyful holiday caroling taking place around the square, as well as a fun “Santa crawl” around the local breweries.
According to Main Street Hanover, the incident caused a delay in the cookie stroll event, which was rescheduled for 2 p.m. People dressed in holiday attire could be seen near the scene, walking from one downtown business to another, as they passed by police tape.
Event officials confirmed that they had been in contact with the police, according to an email sent by Main Street Hanover director Moriah Taylor on Saturday morning.
“Our first priority is the safety of our community. Please be patient as first responders work diligently to secure the area and ensure it is safe for residents and visitors,” said a post by the organization.
During the incident, a number of businesses had to temporarily close their doors. This included Britton Coffee Company on York Street, as well as Little Fox Coffee & Books on Broadway.
Most businesses downtown had returned to usual operations by around 2 p.m. However, the first block of Broadway was still closed as officers continued their investigation.
“Of course we have to say a huge thank you to all of the emergency personnel and first responders that kept everyone safe and resolved the issue,” said Britton Coffee Company in a post announcing their store had reopened.
In 2024, only two shootings have occurred in Hanover Borough. The most recent incident took place in February, when an officer-involved shooting happened just two blocks away from a Sunoco gas station on Broadway. The incident resulted in the death of a wanted man who had pointed a gun at the police officers.