Slain Pa. Cop Had Pointed Stun Gun at Attacking Dogs
Officer Robert Lasso was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call at a home, where he was attacked by two dogs. The officer fired a stun gun at the dogs, prompting the suspect to fire his shotgun at the officer.
A Freemansburg Borough (Pa.) Police officer was shot in the head, while attempting to subdue a man's two dogs after responding to a disturbance call Thursday afternoon.
Officer Robert Lasso was shot and killed at a home on New Street at about 5:15 p.m. After responding to the home of George Hitcho Jr., Officer Lasso and Police Chief George Bruneio were confronted by two dogs that attacked Officer Lasso. Chief Bruneio told the officer the shoot the dogs with his stun gun.
Hitcho, 46, reportedly then leveled his shotgun at the officer and fired, killing him. Chief Bruneio then ordered Hitcho to drop the gun, and arrested him. Nicole Radzievich of the Allentown Morning Call has the full details of the incident.
Hitcho Jr. appeared in court Friday morning and has been charged with one count of criminal homicide. No bail was granted. Apparently, Hitcho was known as a loud drinker, and his wife had filed a protective order against him in 2003. Sarah Cassi of The Express-Times reports that wife Jeanette requested the order after she claimed Hitcho grabbed her head during an argument and banged it against the floor.
Officer Lasso had served with the Freemansburg Borough Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
Sources:Allentown Morning Call, The Express-Times
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