A Lebanon city police officer was fatally shot while responding to a domestic disturbance Thursday, March 31.
Two other city police officers were injured by gunfire during the incident, with one in critical but stable condition and another in stable condition.
Lebanon city Mayor Sherry Capello and city Police Chief Todd Breiner held a press conference in the lobby of the Lebanon County-City Municipal Building Thursday night to share these and other details of the incident.
Capello said that at 3:36 p.m. Thursday, police officers were called to 1108 Forest St. for a domestic disturbance. At 4:24 p.m., shots were exchanged, with a report that officers were down.
“In a moment that will be remembered as a sad day in the City of Lebanon, a Lebanon officer was fatally injured,” said Capello.
Capello said the officer’s immediate family has been informed, but his name is being withheld at this time out of respect for extended family.
County dispatch records show initial calls for medical assistance were made at 4:25 p.m. Well over a dozen police units responded to the scene.
“Obviously the incident is still under investigation, and details will be forthcoming as that investigation concludes,” the mayor said. “At this time, we are focused on the tragic loss of the officer and the wellbeing of the other members of our police department.”
Chief Breiner confirmed at the press conference that the subject of the domestic call is deceased and that he was a 34-year-old white male from Lebanon.
Breiner said that the Lebanon County District Attorney’s office is conducting the investigation.
“I want to thank most importantly, or not to forget, the amount of officers that responded to assist us today and continue to assist us during this time of need,” Breiner said.
“Our guys are strong, but we’re human,” he added. “We have families, and people were injured today. We’re all affected by this and with the help of our families and every law enforcement officer around this country we’ll get through it.”
A second press conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 1, at the Lebanon County-City Municipal Building, District Attorney Pier Hess Graf announced Friday morning. DA Hess Graf said that a brief statement will be produced and distributed, and that out of respect for the fallen and the injured, no questions will be taken.
“Our office will hold a full conference once the entire investigation is complete,” said Hess Graf. “We ask you keep the City Police, their families, and all of our first responders in your prayers at this time.”
Chris Coyle and Davis Shaver contributed reporting to this article.
Updated 4/1 with details on second press conference.
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