Criminal Justice

Former Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp was formally arraigned in a Northampton County court Thursday on charges of stealing from the borough, inching the case towards a trial.

Debra Biro, Melanie Heilman, Steve Lynch and Richard Morea face charges of harassment following a raucous Northampton County Republican Committee meeting involving pornographic images.

An Easton man fatally shot a woman before killing himself early Thursday morning in Allentown, according to authorities.

A 39-year-old city man was shot to death Monday night in the area of North Law and Liberty streets, officials said. The victim was identified as Terrence Brunson.

Two men are in Lehigh County Jail facing charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault in connection with a shooting at Sunday's Dominican Festival in downtown Allentown.

The driver of a car that hit a school bus head-on Wednesday crossed a double-yellow line and caused the collision, police said Thursday.

The Allentown Fair introduced metal detectors two years ago, and guests "appreciate" the added security they provide, according to organizers.

A 27-year-old driver from New York was charged with homicide by vehicle and related crimes in connection with the death of 67-year-old Susan Henderson, of Norristown, state police said. It happened on Hecktown Road in Lower Nazareth Township on Tuesday.

Eight were wounded and one person was charged in connection with the shooting, but “it’s too early in the investigation to detail exactly what occurred and to comment whether anyone else is likely to be charged,” District Attorney Gavin Holihan said Wednesday.

A 32-year-old Allentown man died Tuesday at a local hospital shortly after he was found unresponsive in his cell at the Lehigh County Jail. The coroner on Wednesday ruled his death a suicide.

Rajgion Davis of Whitehall, was ordered by District Judge Jacob E. Hammond at a preliminary hearing Wednesday to face homicide and two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault, all first-degree felonies.

Allentown’s Cleveland School is set to be knocked down and fenced off after its new owner called it a “hot spot" and "magnet for crime." Community Action Lehigh Valley is planning to build a $20 million youth center but wants to secure the property until construction can start.

A joint enforcement detail over the weekend specifically targeted an unsanctioned car meet, a state police public information officer confirmed.

The Northampton County Department of Corrections hosted a bias training course for new hires taught by a Bethlehem-based organization that consults on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Those riding illegal dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles upon city roadways, sidewalks or bike lanes will now face first-time fines of up to $200 and potential forfeiture of their machines.

The Northampton County Office of the District Attorney said an email scam has been taking place in the county, known as "sextortion." The cyber scam is part of an active investigation between local law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office.

“We follow where the evidence leads and we do what we think is necessary to reach the correct conclusion," the Lehigh County District Attorney said of fatal crash investigations.

Kian Deater, 21, was sentenced by Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony to serve 17 ½ to 39 years in state prison on felony charges of aggravated assault with attempt to cause serious bodily injury.

The crash occurred Tuesday morning on Hecktown Road in Lower Nazareth Township, after authorities said police observed the Mercedes driver commit a traffic violation.

The owners of an Easton hemp store were charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances after a raid on the store found illegal drugs, authorities said.

A motorcycle driver was clocked doing 112 mph during traffic enforcement Monday in one Lehigh Valley community, police said. It was 72 mph over the posted speed limit.

Police charged two men with gun-related crimes in the downtown area. Eight people were hit by gunfire in the first incident, including one who required life-saving surgery, according to charging documents. The second, unrelated incident involved a man who allegedly fired into the ground.