Police: Suspect Dead Following Officer-Involved Shooting Outside Lehigh County Walmart
LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) - A suspect is dead following an officer-involved shooting outside a Walmart in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County on Wednesday night.
Police say the suspect fired at a Pennsylvania State Police trooper outside the Walmart while inside his vehicle. That's when the trooper, a four-year veteran of the force, opened fire, striking the man. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say it all began when the suspected shoplifter entered the Walmart at 1091 Mill Creek Road around 9 p.m. wearing a mask and wig.
The man was in the store for 15 minutes and loading up a cart when a loss prevention officer noticed him. Police say the suspect fit the description of someone involved in a recent theft at a Walmart in Schuylkill County in early March.
The loss prevention officer followed the suspect around the store and contacted Pennsylvania State Police and a trooper arrived two minutes later.
Police say the suspect saw the trooper and attempted to leave the Walmart store. The trooper spotted him and when he told him to stop, the suspect took off running.
Police say while the suspect was running, he pulled out a gun. When he got into his vehicle, police say the suspect fired his gun, and that's when the trooper opened fire.
Police say the suspect's .40 glock was recovered at the scene. The suspect's name has not yet been released.
The trooper has been placed on administrative duty following the shooting.
The shooting remains under investigation.
