Pennsylvania Officer Shot and Killed During Disturbance Investigation

Suspect was in custody but had not yet been charged


Friday, August 12, 2011

FREEMANSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A police officer in a small eastern Pennsylvania borough was shot and killed while investigating a report of a disturbance Thursday evening and authorities said a suspect was in custody.

WTFX Images: Northhampton County Officer Shot to Death

Officer Robert Lasso, 31, a seven-year veteran, was investigating a report of a disturbance in Freemansburg, about 45 miles north of Philadelphia, when he was shot, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said at a news conference in Bethlehem on Thursday night. A suspect was in custody but had not yet been charged, Morganelli said.

"When a law enforcement officer goes down in the line of duty like this, it affects all of us," Morganelli said. "The law enforcement community is a fraternity. ... It's like a punch in the stomach."

Investigators said they were still sorting through exactly what happened when Lasso, who was married with two young children, went to the residence on a domestic call.

When he got to the home, police said, he was confronted and shot. He was taken to the hospital where he died from the gunshot wound a short time later, according to the coroner. An autopsy is set for Friday.

The Morning Call of Allentown reports that Lasso was the son of borough Councilman Donald Lasso, a longtime member of the fire department and its former chief.



Related:


Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Pennsylvania Officer Killed During Investigation


Connect: Have a thought or feedback about this? Add your comment now
print share
What's Your Take? Comment Now ...

Product Connect

 

 

Subscribe to Law Officer

Print or Digital Edition


 

INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
CLICK HERE >


 

Get LawOfficer in Your Inbox

 

Where's the Money?

Major project and equipment expenses need to be funded.
More >