Investigation determined that Tpr. Sperr was fired upon as he approached the subjects' vehicle. Tpr. Sperr returned gunfire, striking both subjects before they left the area in a second vehicle, which they had previously staged there for their getaway. Tpr. Sperr was shot multiple times and was on the ground when the fatal round struck him under his belt and vest.
At the time of his death, Tpr. Sperr, a 10-year veteran of the State Police, was assigned to SP Horseheads in Troop E.