Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested in Pennsylvania

On Monday, February 6, 2023, at 8:14 p.m., deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported assault at 11475 SW Tonquin Road, in unincorporated Washington County. A 47-year-old male victim reported being ambushed and shot multiple times in the legs with a shotgun outside his business office.

The victim was transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit detectives conducted interviews, and collected evidence at the scene, including the shotgun used in the attack.

The investigation identified George Ditzler, 43, of Marietta, Pennsylvania, as a person of interest. Ditzler previously had a romantic relationship with an individual who later became involved with the victim. Further inquiry revealed Ditzler had allegedly planned to kill the victim, a plot he had shared with an acquaintance who later cooperated with detectives.

DNA analysis of the shotgun by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab implicated Ditzler in the assault.

On December 20, 2023, a grand jury indicted Ditzler on charges of attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and unlawful use of a weapon (two counts).

Ditzler was arrested on December 22, 2023, by the Lancaster Police Bureau in Pennsylvania, following the issuance of an arrest warrant. He is currently awaiting extradition to Oregon.