Police Officer Shot, Killed

8:30 a.m.: George Hitcho, 46, of 440 New St., Freemansburg, has been charged with killing Freemansburg officer Robert A. Lasso.

He was arraigned early Friday on a charge of homicide before District Judge Diane M. Marakovits and sent to Northampton County prison without bail.

The investigation continues.

State police at Belfast said a weapon believed used in the crime was recovered at the scene. Lasso was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance at 440 New St., Freemansburg, police said.

Lasso was shot moments after pointing a stun gun at two dogs that were attacking him, according to The Morning Call.

10:10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11: A suspect named George Hitcho Jr., 46, of Freemansburg is in custody and is expected to be charged with homicide, officials say.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli held a news conference at 10 p.m. and said the deceased officer is Robert A. Lasso, 31. He joined the department in 2004 and is the son of borough Councilman Donald Lasso.

Morganelli said this may be the first time an officer was killed in the line of duty since 1969 (in terms of homicide rather than a car accident) in Northampton County.

Lasso is survived by his wife and two children.

He was responding to a domestic dispute, officials say.

Pennsylvania State Police (Bethlehem barracks) are handling the investigation. 

9:53 p.m. The death of an officer has been confirmed by the Associated Press, according to the Express-Times.

9:25 p.m.: A hearse with a police escort left St. Luke's Hospital shortly before 9 p.m., said the Express-Times.

Initial Report:

A police officer in Freemansburg was shot - possibly in the head - according to multiple reports and a suspect may be in custody.

The attack happened around 5:15pm at 126 Washington St.

The officer was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill, where a cortege of emegency vehicles was parked outside.