Police ID Pa. Soldier Found Dead After Standoff
POTTSTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Investigators have identified a soldier found dead in his suburban Philadelphia home following a standoff that took place after Pennsylvania National Guard representatives went to check on him, believing he was AWOL (see related story).
Lower Pottsgrove Police Chief Mike Foltz says 37-year-old Thomas Hripto had not responded to the National Guard since last Friday, prompting a well-being check Wednesday. Authorities say they heard a gunshot while responding and weren't sure if he was firing at them, so they called for assistance.
After more than five hours, officers entered the home and found Hripto dead in a second-floor bedroom with an apparent gunshot wound.
Pennsylvania National Guard officials say Hripto was a member of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 28th Infantry.
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