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MIFFLINTOWN -- As Pennsylvania State Police Tpr. Jacques "Jay" F. Rougeau was laid to rest this week, police officials released new details about the shooting.
The public paid their respects to Rougeau, a native of Corry who was fatally shot in the line of duty on June 17, on Monday with six hours of public visitation at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie.
Law enforcement officials, along with family and friends, attended funeral services on Tuesday to mourn the loss of Rougeau, who would have marked his third anniversary with the State Police in June.
On Thursday, State Police said in a statement that they did not put shooter Brandon Stine in custody on a 302 mental health warrant. PSP went on to say that the night before the shooting they received a call for troopers to check on the welfare of Stine.
The statement goes on to say that Stine's family described his behavior as erratic, but they were not made aware of any threats Stine made against himself or others.
"Troopers checked multiple residences for him that evening, but were unable to locate him," said Lt. Adam Reed, a spokesman for Pennsylvania State Police. "They had hoped to make contact with him and, if needed, ensure he received the appropriate care necessary."
The next day, State Police say the 38-year-old Stine went to the Troop G, Lewistown Station in Mifflintown, armed with a rifle and shot at marked patrol cruisers.
State Police called the manhunt that ensued for Stine "a game of cat and mouse." During that time, Stine shot Lt. James Wagner, who remains in critical condition at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and killed Rougeau.
Stine was eventually killed in an exchange of gunfire after the shootings with State Police.
Reed confirmed that around 5:30 p.m. Friday troopers in Lewistown received a call asking them to check on Stine's welfare due to concerns
about "erratic behavior."
However, Reed said troopers were "not aware of any threats made by Stine against himself or others."
The investigation continues.
"This is a tragedy for the Pennsylvania State Police," said Col. Christopher Paris, commission of the State Police. "We ask for your continued prayers for not only our troopers, but also their families."
Anyone who wants to help the families of Rougeau and Wagner can send donations to PSTA Survivors Fund, 3625 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Contributions can also be made to the Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation. This non-profit, tax-deductible 501(C)3 foundation provides funding for families when a trooper is killed in the line of duty, among other services. For more information, visit www.troopershelpingtroopers.org.