Trinity Gunman Captured, Airlifted for Treatment of Self Inflicted Wound

S.B. ELLIOTT PARK - After a nearly eight-hour search a Penfield man accused of shooting another man at Trinity United Methodist Church Thursday morning was apprehended in the Moshannon State Forest.

Earlier Thursday Clearfield Borough Police Chief Jeff Rhone said the incident happened around 6:30 Thursday morning. He said the victim in the case was seriously injured by a gunshot wound.

Rhone said the person was transported to a local emergency medical facility for treatment.

A press conference was held shortly around 4:15 p.m. by Clearfield County William A. Shaw Jr. and Clearfield Borough Police Chief Jeff Rhone to update the media of the situation.

According to Shaw and Rhone, Norman Kaufman of Penfield turned himself over to law enforcement officials around 3:30 p.m. Shaw said that Kaufman was located along the Four Mile Road.

The DA stated that earlier in the day Kaufman's vehicle was located. When police located Kaufman, the shooting suspect was about two miles form his vehicle.

Shaw said that Kaufman maintained contact throughout the day using his cell phone. Law enforcement was able use those phone calls to triangulate his location to help in their search.

Shaw added that Kaufman was in the process of being airlifted to Altoona for treatment of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

When asked about what motive Kaufman had for the shooting, Shaw said it would be inappropriate to comment on that issue.

"This was an example of law enforcement in Clearfield County," commented Shaw.

The case began with the Clearfield Borough Police Department, and later came to include Lawrence Township, Sandy Township and DuBois City Police Departments and the Pennsylvania State Police. Other agencies involved in the search included DCNR, State Park officials, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and K-9 units from St. Marys and State College. The Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter of the American Red Cross is providing canteen services for the police and emergency workers.

"This was an all-hands evolution," said Shaw.

Shaw also praised the park rangers for their help in the case.

"Park rangers were a key to this," said Shaw, who indicated that terrain proved to be an obstacle.

The victim's name in the shooting was not released.

"I think it's appropriate that we withhold the name," said Rhone.

Rhone stated that the Clearfield Borough Police Department Chaplain played an integral role in the investigation.

"He was well-needed and performed his task exceptionally well."

He indicated that the situation was unusual as law enforcement worked hand-in-hand with the family of the suspect and the family of the victim.
An update was not given on the gunshot victim, though earlier in the day it the chief released that he was seriously injured.

Shaw indicated that it was possible that if the gunshot victim does pass away due to the wound, more serious charges could be pursued.

Kaufman is facing a charge of criminal attempt to commit homicide and related charges.