SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A shooting is under investigation after police fatally shot a 73-year-old man who confronted them with what appeared to be a rifle Wednesday afternoon in South Whitehall Township.
Shots were fired around 1 p.m. in the 100 block of North 38th Street, according to a joint press release from Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and South Whitehall Township Police Chief Frank Lombardo.
Police were called to the scene following a 911 call reporting a man with a gun. Multiple officers arrived and were confronted by a man carrying what appeared to be a rifle.
The man advanced on officers who gave several commands for him to drop the weapon, which officials said he refused to do.
Officers then used nonlethal force in an attempt to stop the man. When that failed, they fired approximately six rounds, killing him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man’s identity has not been released. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning.
A preliminary investigation suggests he had long-term health issues and a note was found inside the home following his death, according to the district attorney’s office.
The Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police Forensics Services Unit and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office are investigating the incident.
The South Whitehall Township Police Department and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office did not respond to requests for additional information.
Investigation still pending.
Update on May 29, 4:30 p.m.: The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office has identified the man as 73-year-old Gary J. Moyer. He was pronounced dead just after 3 p.m. Wednesday at his home following the incident. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday, but officials said Moyer died of gunshot wounds.
