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Crime & Safety

Shots Fired, Suicide Threatened by Man with Gun

Police respond to a man firing shots into the air on Lehigh Lane in Upper Nazareth Friday evening.

An unidentified resident of Lehigh Lane off Route 248 in allegedly fired shots in the air and held a gun to his own neck early Friday evening, threatening to commit suicide.

Scanner reports indicated local police were called to the scene shortly before 7 p.m. and quickly closed all roads leading to the street, as well as summoning help from neighboring police departments to surround the residence and deal with the suicidal man.

Authorities additionally called for a county negotiator and assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, but neither was ultimately deployed as the man surrendered just before 8 p.m.

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Around 7:55 p.m., the man emerged from the garage of the house, apparently unarmed, and began picking up objects off the ground before returning to the residence, scanner chatter indicated.

He then came back outside while talking on his cellphone after being instructed to do so by police via loudspeaker. Reports indicated upon his second emergence from his dwelling that he was in contact with 911 dispatchers when he was further instructed to lie face down on the ground.

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He was then taken into custody without further incident and transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crestl, radio reports said.

Responding medics suspected methamphetamine use, according to radio reports.

Roads surrounding New England Drive were reopened at about 8:55 p.m., when residents of the street were allowed to return to their homes.

Authorities were unavailable for immediate comment after the event.

Further information will be added to this report as it becomes available.

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