Three people are dead after a robbery attempt at the Fort Littleton Interchange, Exit 180, on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Authorities say the gunman was a former state police trooper.  

During a news conference investigators said Clarence Briggs, 55, was gunned down after attempting to rob a van that was collecting toll money for the turnpike.  Briggs was a 26-year veteran of the state police.

Turnpike employee Daniel Crouse, 55, and turnpike contractor, Ronald Heist, 72, were shot and killed during the robbery.

Responding troopers were on scene within minutes and encountered the suspect. Gunfire was exchanged and Briggs was shot and killed.

“On behalf of my fellow Turnpike commissioners and everybody in the PA Turnpike family, we are all deeply saddened by this horrific tragedy,” said Turnpike Chairman Sean Logan.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased victims, the turnpike employee and the contractor. We cannot imagine what the families must be feeling right now. Certainly, today will be a day that none of us will soon forget.”