Allentown Officer Cleared in Hospital Lobby Shooting

District Attorney says use of force was justified in confrontation with knife-wielding woman

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan has ruled that an Allentown police officer was justified in shooting a woman who confronted first responders with a knife in the lobby of the former Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital on January 11. Holihan said the officer's use of force was warranted as the woman "posed an imminent risk of harm" to the officer, two EMS medics, and a security guard.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing debate around police use of force, particularly in situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. While the DA found the officer's actions were justified under Pennsylvania law, the incident may prompt further scrutiny of police training and protocols for de-escalating confrontations without resorting to deadly force.

The details

According to the DA's memo, a security guard let the woman into the hospital lobby after she knocked hard on the door around 5:50 pm. As medics began assisting her, one shouted that she had a knife. The officer repeatedly commanded her to drop the weapon, but she refused. When the woman appeared to point another object at the officer, he fired a single shot that struck her. The object was later identified as a digital infrared thermometer, not a gun or Taser as it initially appeared.

  • The incident occurred on January 11, 2026 around 5:50 pm.
  • The DA's decision clearing the officer was announced on February 18, 2026.

The players

Gavin Holihan

Lehigh County District Attorney who ruled the officer's use of force was justified.

Allentown Police Officer

The officer who shot the woman in the hospital lobby.

Woman

The individual who confronted first responders with a knife in the hospital lobby.

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What they’re saying

“This investigation found that the officer's use of force was justified.”

— Gavin Holihan, Lehigh County District Attorney (NBC10 Philadelphia)

What’s next

The DA's decision ends the county's criminal review, but does not preclude any internal administrative reviews or potential civil claims by the woman.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety, de-escalation tactics, and the appropriate use of force by law enforcement, particularly when responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises.