LANCASTER, PA (3-minute read) – The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is probing a deadly incident that led to the death of a 29-year-old man on Thursday evening. Authorities responded to a distress call around 6:40 p.m. in the 1600 block of Hillcrest Avenue, where they discovered the young man by a Chevrolet Avalanche with a fatal gunshot wound.
Emergency responders declared the man deceased at the scene after attempts to administer first aid. The sheriff’s office conducted a thorough search of the property under a search warrant, collecting crucial evidence.
At the time deputies arrived, two individuals were near the vehicle: the 31-year-old owner of the Avalanche and a 14-year-old juvenile. Both cooperated fully with law enforcement, with the juvenile admitting to the shooting.
Investigations revealed that the deceased had trespassed multiple times that day, causing disturbances. His final intrusion involved an assault on the juvenile’s younger brother. Armed with a knife, the deceased approached aggressively, prompting the juvenile to retrieve a firearm from the vehicle and shoot in defense.
Sheriff Barry Faile commented on the incident, stating it was a “tragic result from an unfortunate set of circumstances” but justified based on initial findings. The juvenile was released to his mother, facing no charges as the investigation continues.
Firearm Safety Tip: Always secure firearms in a locked container or area, especially if children are present in the home.