SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by police during a confrontation in South Whitehall Township on Wednesday afternoon. The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as 73-year-old Gary Moyer. Officers were called to Moyer’s home on North 38th Street around 1 p.m. following a 911 report of a man with a gun.
According to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan, police encountered Moyer holding what appeared to be a rifle. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Moyer allegedly refused to comply. Officers attempted to use non-lethal force to subdue him, but when those efforts failed and Moyer advanced toward them, police fired approximately six shots. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say Moyer had been dealing with long-term health issues. A note was discovered inside his residence, though its contents have not been made public. An autopsy has been scheduled, and toxicology results are expected to shed more light on the situation. Investigators are working to determine whether medical or mental health factors may have contributed to the incident.
The case is being investigated by the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Officials are reviewing body-worn camera footage, 911 call logs, and statements from responding officers. No further information is expected to be released until the investigation advances.
This marks the second police-involved death in South Whitehall Township this month. On May 11, 45-year-old Timothy Vanbilliard of Emmaus died during a separate incident at the Weis Markets in Crest Plaza. That case also remains under investigation, with authorities awaiting autopsy and toxicology findings to determine the cause of death.
The twin incidents have raised concerns among local residents about the use of force in police responses, especially involving individuals who may be in distress. Law enforcement officials emphasized that multiple de-escalation efforts were made in Moyer’s case. Still, community members and advocates continue to call for increased training and mental health resources to help prevent such tragedies in the future. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the May 28 incident to come forward as the investigation continues.