Spring Garden Township, Pennsylvania – An autopsy has revealed that Payden Sells, a 34-year-old man from Spring Grove, died from multiple gunshot wounds in an officer-involved shooting that occurred last Friday. The incident took place in the 600 block of Colonial Avenue in Spring Garden Township following a domestic disturbance.
According to the York County Coroner’s Office, Sells’ death has been classified as a homicide. However, the ruling on the manner of death does not assign liability to any party involved. Police officers were responding to a domestic violence call when Sells allegedly fired at them, aiming shotgun blasts at one officer who had to take cover by diving off a porch.
During a news conference, York County District Attorney Dave Sunday stated that the officers were justified in using lethal force against Sells. Sunday emphasized that the shooting was necessary for officers to protect themselves and others from potential serious harm or death, as Sells posed a grave threat to their safety.
The confrontation escalated as Sells continued to fire upon officers from inside the house, leading to a standoff with law enforcement. Despite the intense situation, officers managed to safely evacuate a woman and her dogs from the residence. Sells then fired at officers from a second-story window before exiting the house with two handguns.
In a final standoff with police, Sells disregarded warnings to drop his weapons and instead fired in the direction of officers. In response to the immediate threat, officers returned fire, resulting in Sells’ death. The Pennsylvania State Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which marks the second police-involved shooting in the state for the month of February.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face while responding to domestic disturbances and the split-second decisions they must make to protect themselves and the community. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sells’ death will shed more light on the events that unfolded that fateful night.