LEHIGH TWP., Pa. — A Northampton County man is facing multiple charges after Pennsylvania State Police say a domestic disturbance in Lehigh Township ended with a police officer shooting him Wednesday afternoon.
Sean Deibert, 49, is being charged with felony strangulation, simple assault and terroristic threats, according to the Northampton County district attorney.
Police were called to a home in the 4100 block of Heritage Lane around 3:50 p.m. for a reported domestic incident involving Deibert and his 71-year-old mother.
69 News reporter Bo Koltnow spoke with Deibert’s mother Thursday. She described the emotional aftermath of the attack, saying she feels “like I got run over by a bus.”
According to neighbors, Deibert allegedly attacked his mother before heading outside the home, yelling, cursing, and threatening a neighbor. That confrontation gave his mother time to escape to a neighboring home and call 911.
Neighbor Beverly Hargreaves said she and her sister were across the street when they heard gunfire.
“My sister and I were across the street and heard two shots,” Hargreaves said.
Lehigh Township police say officers confronted Deibert after entering the home. State police say officers first used a stun gun before one officer shot him.
Hargreaves said she watched officers rush to the scene.
“I saw the policeman run to the house, and out came, like, it looked like they had him in some kind of a body bag or something, and they put him on the gurney, and the ambulance was here already,” she said.
Deibert was taken to a hospital, where neighbors said he underwent surgery.
Several neighbors told 69 News this was not the first time police had responded to the home for domestic incidents.
Bruce Beck, who lives across the street, said he often sees Deibert walking through the neighborhood. Despite Wednesday’s events, Beck said he would not be concerned if Deibert eventually returned home.
“I wouldn’t care. That’s his business. This is my nose, and I try to keep it on my face and keep it out of somebody else’s,” Beck said.
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Major Case Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The Northampton County District Attorney’s Office and several local police departments are assisting.