Pennsylvania Traffic Stop Turns Dangerous When Driver Opens Fire

What began as a routine speeding stop on Pennsylvania's Route 33 quickly became a violent struggle involving two state troopers and an armed driver. Dashcam footage later released to the public captured the entire encounter, including the moment the suspect broke free and opened fire.

A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP

On November 7, 2017, Pennsylvania State Trooper Ryan Seiple stopped 22-year-old Daniel Clary on Route 33 in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, after observing him speeding.

After issuing a citation, Seiple became concerned that Clary might be under the influence. He requested backup, and Corporal Seth Kelly arrived to assist with field sobriety testing.

A SIMPLE SPEEDING STOP WAS ABOUT TO TURN INTO A LIFE-THREATENING CONFRONTATION.

THE STRUGGLE ESCALATES

According to court records, Clary failed the field sobriety tests. When the troopers attempted to take him into custody, he resisted.

The struggle continued for roughly a minute. Both officers used Tasers, but Clary continued fighting and eventually broke free.

He then moved back toward his vehicle.

THE SUSPECT REACHED HIS CAR AND MANAGED TO GET HOLD OF A SEMIAUTOMATIC HANDGUN.

GUNFIRE ERUPTS

Dashcam footage captured the moment Clary opened fire at the two troopers. Authorities said he fired six shots.

Corporal Kelly was struck multiple times, including wounds to his leg and neck. Despite his injuries, Kelly returned fire and moved behind a guardrail for cover.

Trooper Seiple also returned fire as Clary got back into his vehicle and fled the scene.

IN SECONDS, A TRAFFIC STOP HAD BECOME A ROADSIDE GUN BATTLE.

THE AFTERMATH

Kelly suffered extremely serious injuries, including damage to his femoral artery. He applied a tourniquet to himself and was eventually transported for emergency treatment. He spent 12 days in a medically induced coma and remained hospitalized for weeks.

Clary was later arrested after going to a hospital for treatment. He was convicted of attempted murder and other offenses related to the shooting and received a lengthy prison sentence.

The released dashcam became an important record of the encounter, showing how rapidly the situation developed from a traffic violation to a violent struggle and gunfire.