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Trooper Shooting Sparks Fear

BETHLEHEM — The shooting of a Pennsylvania State Police corporal during a traffic stop has gained attention statewide. People in Lehigh County can’t...

BETHLEHEM -- The shooting of a Pennsylvania State Police corporal during a traffic stop has gained attention statewide.

People in Lehigh County can't believe the series of events that transpired.

The Pennsylvania State Police corporal that was shot multiple times underwent surgery Tuesday afternoon at St. Luke's Hospital near Bethlehem. Police said he was in critical, but stable condition Tuesday night.

What started as a routine traffic stop just before 11 a.m. Tuesday on Route 33 in Plainfield Township resulted with a state police corporal critically wounded and fighting for his life after being shot multiple times by a man who is now in custody.

According to online court documents, Daniel Clary, 22, of Effort, was charged in connection with the shooting.

News of the shooting spread quickly throughout the area and some people are growing more and more concerned about the continuing issue of gun violence in America. One person Newswatch 16 spoke with said, "There's no regard for human life anymore."

Others are just stunned about the incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the state.

"It's insane that people are just thinking it's OK to shoot up people in the first place and that man obviously deserves to be in custody because of what he did," said Laisa Gibson of Harrisburg.

"People are just out here shooting official officers. I don't want to live in this country, like that is just crazy," said Gabrielle Ortiz of Allentown.

The shooting brings up the topic of gun violence once again, which has become a prevalent issue in the United States, one that some people are growing tired of.

"I just think that it's awful that people are allowed to obtain guns so easily and that there's so much violence with them, especially recently. And there's something that should be done about it," said Mikaela Weimer of New Jersey.

"I have no idea why people would want to come here at this point. In my honest opinion, I don't think it's a safe place to even raise children."

State police say that while the shootout broke out between the suspect and two troopers, cars were whizzing by as people were traveling along Route 33. The stretch where the shooting occurred on Route 33 in Plainfield Townfield is a well-traveled portion between the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.

The southbound lanes were shut down following the shooting.

Many drivers were forced to detour off Route 33 and Newswatch 16 spoke with a few folks who actually heard gunshots from the altercation

"I work right there and it happened next to my work and we heard gunshots. Then, everyone, we had to clear out of our area and we were able to go back 30 minutes ago," said Justin Hutson.

A news conference is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

 

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