Officials: Suspect dies after shootout with police erupts in Allentown
(Courtesy Rich Rolen)
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A man is dead after exchanging gunfire with a police officer in Allentown Friday night.
Police say a chase ensued when officers witnessed the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Xavier Arnold, of Colplay, assaulting someone near 8th and Maple streets around 8 p.m.
Arnold then brandished a firearm and fired at the officers, according to a report.
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One officer returned fire, striking Arnold.
Allentown EMS took him to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest, where he died from his injuries.
Officials say an investigation into the incident is ongoing and an autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
According to Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin, the investigation into the incident will include a "detailed review of all available audio and video recording."
A firearm was found with Arnold at the shooting scene, along with shell casings that looked to have been fired from that weapon.
One police officer was thought to have been hit with some type of projectile that went through his uniform shirt and nicked his vest. The officer was uninjured.
The officers are on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.