Northampton County, PA — On a chilly November evening in 2017, a routine traffic stop on Route 33 in Plainfield Township turned into a violent confrontation that left two Pennsylvania state troopers fighting for their lives. Daniel Clary, a 22-year-old man pulled over for speeding, was later convicted of attempting to murder two law enforcement officers in a case that shocked the local community and underscored the dangers police face on the job.
The incident began when Trooper Ryan Seiple initiated the stop after observing Clary speeding. After issuing a citation, Seiple grew suspicious that Clary was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and requested that he perform field sobriety tests. Backup was called, and Corporal Seth Kelly arrived to assist. What followed was a struggle that escalated quickly and violently.
According to testimony and dashcam footage presented at trial, the officers attempted to detain Clary on the side of the road. Clary resisted arrest and, during the scuffle, was subdued with a stun gun. However, he managed to break free from the officers’ grip, ran back to his vehicle, and retrieved a handgun. Without warning, Clary fired multiple shots at the troopers.
Corporal Kelly was hit several times—suffering gunshot wounds to his neck, shoulder, and leg. One of the bullets severed his femoral artery, putting his life in immediate danger. Despite his critical injuries, Kelly was able to return fire, while Trooper Seiple engaged Clary as well. Clary was wounded in the exchange but fled the scene by driving himself to a nearby hospital, where he was apprehended.
The case quickly garnered widespread attention, both for the severity of the attack and the harrowing dashcam footage that captured the entire encounter. The video was a pivotal piece of evidence during the trial, clearly showing Clary breaking free and firing on the officers.
During the 2018 trial, the prosecution charged Clary with multiple counts, including attempted murder of law enforcement officers, aggravated assault, and weapons violations. His defense team argued that Clary had a history of head injuries and mental health issues, including schizophrenia, which they claimed impacted his actions during the incident.
Despite these arguments, the jury found Clary guilty on nine of the ten charges in June 2018, acquitting him only of the DUI charge. In August 2018, the court sentenced Clary to a prison term ranging from 53½ to 110 years, a sentence reflecting the seriousness of the crime and its impact on the officers and community.
Corporal Kelly endured months of intense medical treatment and rehabilitation after being shot. Though initially in critical condition, his resilience and determination allowed him to recover and eventually return to public life. His survival and recovery have been hailed as remarkable given the severity of his injuries.
The shooting sent shockwaves through the Northampton County community and raised important questions about officer safety, the risks inherent in traffic stops, and the intersection of mental health issues with violent crime. Law enforcement agencies emphasized the dangers officers face daily and called for continued support and resources to protect officers in the line of duty.
This case remains a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing and the courage displayed by those who serve to keep the public safe.
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