Four people are dead after a series of shootings along a rural Blair County road Friday morning.

Officials said the victims are one woman and three men, including the suspect.

The scene covers several miles and the incidents happened on Juniata Valley Road, just outside of Geeseytown in Frankstown Township. The victims were shot at separate locations, and investigators said they are processing five different crime scenes.

During a news briefing at the Geeseytown Fire Hall on Friday afternoon, officials confirmed the woman was shot and killed at a church. The Associated Press reported that the woman was fatally shot while decorating for a children's Christmas program at the Juniata Valley Gospel Church.

The AP reported the woman was killed by a person who first fired shots through the windows of the church hall. Another woman decorating wasn't shot.

Family members of one of the male victims told 6 News that the victim was in his driveway when he was killed. They said the victim and his wife were getting into their car to go Christmas shopping.

State police said they received a 911 call for shots fired at approximately 9 a.m. As troopers responded, a gunman in a truck fired shots at marked patrol cars as they passed.

The gunman then struck another marked patrol car head-on, disabling both vehicles. The gunman got out of the truck and began to fire into the marked patrol car, striking the trooper twice.

The troopers returned gunfire, striking and killing man.

State police then discovered that there were three people who had been shot and killed.

The three Pennsylvania state troopers were injured and are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. One trooper was shot twice -- once in the chest and once in the wrist – and the trooper was wearing body armor. Another trooper was injured by flying debris, and a third trooper was injured in the crash. All three troopers are expected to be OK.

During the news conference, investigators said they are looking into the relationships, if any, between the gunman and victims. They would not speculate on a motive. They said victims may have a connection, but officials would not speculate.

Officials said they are not releasing the names of the victims nor suspected gunman as Friday afternoon. The gunman was a Blair County resident.

A prayer service and vigil for the community is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Geeseytown Lutheran Church in Frankstown Township.

The last triple-homicide in that area was in 2005, when an illegal immigrant fatally shot three men outside a bar in Altoona.

Stay with 6 News, WJACTV.com and WJACTV.com Mobile for continuing coverage as details become available.

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UNEDITED: NEWS RELEASE FROM PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
December 21, 2012:
Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Involved in Shooting with Homicide Subject

Hollidaysburg –

The PA State Police today received a 9-1-1 call for shots fired at approximately 9:00 a.m. As troopers responded, a subject in a truck fired shots at the marked patrol cars as they passed.  The subject then struck another marked patrol car head-on disabling both vehicles.  The subject got out of the truck and began to fire into the marked patrol car, striking the trooper.  The troopers returned gunfire striking and killing the male subject.

It was then discovered that there were three deceased persons at three different locations where the troopers were responding.  It is believed that the male subject committed three homicides before encountering the troopers.

The PA State Police Troop G major case team was activated and investigators are currently examining four separate crime scenes -- interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.  The Blair County District Attorney is also on the scene.

Three members are currently being treated at the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.  One trooper was struck by two bullets; one in the chest area which impacted his body armor, and a second which struck his wrist.  A second trooper sustained injuries associated with shattered glass and shrapnel to the face from gunfire.  These two are expected to be released from the hospital today.  The third member is currently under evaluation for injuries sustained in the motor vehicle crash.