Man, 20, shot and killed by police in downtown Allentown after pursuit

A 20-year-old Coplay man was shot and killed by an Allentown police officer Friday night after drawing a gun during a pursuit, police said.

Xavier I. Arnold was pronounced dead Friday night about 30 minutes after an incident in the area of Eighth and Maple streets in the city’s downtown.

According to a news release, officers witnessed someone being assaulted in the area at about 8 p.m. Friday night. Police chased Arnold, who drew his weapon, according to police, and fired at the officers.

One of the officers was struck by a projectile that penetrated his uniform shirt and nicked his protective vest, according to Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin. The officer was not injured.

One officer returned fire, hitting Arnold. Officers rendered aid and Arnold was taken to a local hospital where he died, police said. A semi-automatic handgun was recovered from Arnold at the scene of the shooting along with shell casings that appeared to have been fired from that handgun, according to the release from Martin.

Allentown Police Department, the Lehigh County

Homicide Task Force, Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, and the Lehigh County Coroner’s office are investigating. All officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the full investigation.

An autopsy is scheduled for Feb. 13.

The Allentown Police Department asks anyone with information to call Detectives at 610-437-7721 or the Police Desk at 610-4377753 (ext. 1). Anonymous text tips can be sent via the Tip411 App available on the Allentown Police Facebook Page or via the Allentown Police Department website.