Crime & Safety

Freemansburg Reeling in Wake of Cop's Killing

Father describes Lasso as a "loving husband, father, son and brother."

The borough of Freemansburg and a family with ties to South Bethlehem is reeling today in the aftermath of the shooting death of police officer Robert A. Lasso on Thursday evening.

The officer’s father, Borough Councilman Donald Lasso, described his son as a “loving husband, father, son and brother” at a news conference this afternoon outside of the borough home where the officer was raised, according to an account in The Morning Call.

WFMZ is reporting that the small community is in a state of shock today.

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Robert Lasso, 31, was shot and killed responding to a call shortly after 5pm Thursday at 440 New St., the home of George Hitcho, 46, who is charged in the crime. He was committed to Northampton County Prison without bail.

According to news reports, Lasso was being attacked by two dogs in Hitcho’s yard and pointed a stun gun at them before he was killed. Borough Police Chief George Bruneio ordered Lasso to “shoot the dogs” before Hitcho allegedly pulled out a shotgun and fired the fatal shot to the officer’s head.

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Express-Times reported today that neighbors of Hitcho described him as a nuisance who abused alcohol and yelled at neighbors.

The officer is survived by a wife, Jennifer, a daughter who will turn 7 next week and a 4-year-old son.

WFMZ is reporting that the in Bethlehem Township has set up a fund to help the family. Donations will be accepted in person or through the mail.


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