Suspect Shot by Lancaster City Police After Failing to Drop his Weapon

Lancaster police turn the gun on a suspect after he refuses to drop his weapon.

The 27-year-old suspect, Manuel Abrante, is recovering after being shot around 1 a.m. early Monday morning.

Investigators said that Lancaster County 911 received a report that a man was firing a gun at a moving vehicle.

Moments later, the Lancaster Community Safety Coalition spotted Abrante on their cameras carrying a handgun in the downtown area of North Plum and Park Avenue.

Police were dispatched to the location and found a door to an apartment building wide open.

As officers approached the suspect, they saw the Abrante coming down the stairs armed with a handgun.

Officers said they began yelling commands for the suspect to put down his weapon, but he didn't do it.

"This being one of the most dangerous situations that some officers may never have to run into in their career," said Lancaster City Police Chief, Keith Sadler, in full support of this officer's next actions.

A veteran police officer fired two rounds, striking the man in the waist area.

"Police don't have to wait until someone is shooting at them to fire back," said District Attorney Craig Stedman about the early morning shooting.

A neighbor who lives on the block agrees, "You're supposed to obey the laws of the land, if they ask you to drop your weapon, then you need to drop your weapon," said Clifton Jenkins.

The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for surgery and expected to recover from his injuries.

Neighbors in the area said they have never had to deal with this sort of crime and that it's always a quiet street and school zone.

"This is a nice neighborhood, so things like that shouldn't be happening, it's not fair for the kids," said neighbor, Jorge Gonzalez.

Courtesy of Fox 43 WPMT-TV
August 1, 2011

Nava Ghalili Multi-media Journalist

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