Pottstown Armed Standoff Ends in Deadly Shootout: Officer Wounded, Suspect Andrew Ecker Killed After Hours-Long Confrontation with Police
POTTSTOWN, PA — April 7, 2025 — A tense and prolonged standoff in Pottstown came to a tragic conclusion late Sunday evening, resulting in the death of a suspect and the injury of a law enforcement officer. Authorities have confirmed that 30-year-old Andrew Ecker was fatally shot by police after allegedly opening fire on officers during a violent encounter that gripped the neighborhood in fear and uncertainty for several hours.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident began unfolding around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, when Pottstown police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the vicinity of the 400 block of East Street. According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, responding officers arrived to find a visibly agitated and heavily armed man — later identified as Ecker — barricaded inside a residence. Witnesses described the early moments as chaotic, with gunshots ringing out and residents scrambling for safety.
“Officers responded immediately and were met with resistance and hostility from the suspect,” said DA Steele in a press conference Monday morning. “Our first priority was to secure the scene and protect nearby residents, many of whom were told to shelter in place as the situation escalated.”
Gunfire and an Officer Down
As officers attempted to establish communication with Ecker, he allegedly opened fire from inside the residence, striking a Pottstown police officer. The officer, whose name has not yet been publicly released, sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Officials say the officer is in stable condition and is expected to recover fully.
The shooting prompted a full tactical response, with the Montgomery County SWAT team and negotiators being deployed to the scene. Armored vehicles, drones, and heavily armed officers surrounded the area as police worked to contain the suspect and avoid further casualties.
Hours-Long Standoff
The standoff lasted more than five hours, during which negotiators attempted repeatedly to persuade Ecker to surrender peacefully. “We made every effort to end this situation without further bloodshed,” said Chief Mark Drumheller of the Pottstown Police Department. “Our negotiators were in constant contact, but the suspect remained combative and continued to discharge his weapon at officers.”
Throughout the evening, surrounding streets were closed off and residents were evacuated or told to remain indoors. The sound of sporadic gunfire and the presence of law enforcement vehicles kept tensions high until the standoff reached a critical point just before 8:30 p.m.
According to authorities, Ecker exited the residence armed and refused to comply with police commands. He reportedly raised his weapon in the direction of officers, prompting several SWAT members to open fire. Ecker was struck multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other civilians were injured.
A Troubled History
Court records reveal that Andrew Ecker had a history of criminal behavior, including prior arrests for weapons charges and domestic disturbances. Neighbors, however, expressed shock at the extreme violence of Sunday’s events, describing Ecker as someone who “mostly kept to himself.”
“I never imagined something like this would happen just a few houses down,” said Melissa Hargrove, a local resident who has lived on East Street for over a decade. “We heard the sirens, then gunshots, and suddenly police were everywhere. It felt like a war zone.”
Investigation Underway
The Montgomery County Detective Bureau is conducting a full investigation into the incident, with special attention on the use of force by law enforcement. The officers involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure during such reviews.
District Attorney Steele emphasized transparency and accountability in the investigation. “While we believe our officers acted in accordance with the law and out of necessity, we will be thorough in our review of all evidence, including body camera footage and witness statements.”
Autopsy results for Ecker are pending. Investigators will also analyze toxicology reports to determine if substances may have played a role in his erratic and violent behavior.
Community Response
In the aftermath of the standoff, local leaders and community organizations are calling for unity and support for those impacted by the traumatic event. A vigil is being planned for the injured officer and for the neighborhood residents affected by the violence.
“Our thoughts are with the officer who was injured in the line of duty, and we extend our gratitude to all law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henley. “This is a time for healing and resilience as we come together to process what happened.”
As the investigation continues, residents are urged to report any information they may have regarding the events leading up to the confrontation. Police are particularly interested in understanding whether there were warning signs that Ecker may have posed a growing threat to the community.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at (610) 278-3368.