A woman was hospitalized after being shot by an Allentown police officer Sunday inside a former rehabilitation hospital, authorities said.
At a Glance
- The shooting happened at the former Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
- Officers responded to a call about a woman “in distress” and allegedly armed with a knife.
- One officer fired a single shot, striking the woman; her condition has not been released.
- Why it matters: The incident is under investigation as police assure the public it was isolated and there is no ongoing threat.
Officers were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. to the 800 block of South Fifth Street after receiving reports of a woman in crisis, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office said in a joint statement with the Allentown Police Department.
Upon arrival, officers encountered the woman inside the former Good Shepherd facility. Authorities allege she was holding a knife and made threatening statements toward first responders.
During the encounter, one officer discharged his service weapon, striking the woman once. She was immediately provided medical aid on scene before being transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for treatment.
Officials have not released the woman’s identity, age, or current medical condition. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, while the shooting is reviewed.
Location Details
The building at 800 S. Fifth St. has been vacant since Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital relocated in 2023. Fencing surrounds much of the property, but the structure is not consistently secured, according to nearby residents who spoke with News Of Philadelphia.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation issued a statement Monday confirming the facility has been closed for more than two years and that no patients, residents, or staff were present during the incident.
Investigation Timeline
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 5:24 p.m. | 911 call received about woman in distress |
| 5:30 p.m. | Officers arrive at former hospital |
| 5:34 p.m. | Officer-involved shooting occurs |
| 5:37 p.m. | Medical aid rendered; EMS requested |
| 5:48 p.m. | Woman transported to hospital |
The Lehigh County officer-involved shooting protocol has been activated. Detectives from the district attorney’s office are leading the inquiry with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Allentown Police Department’s own internal affairs unit.
Body-worn camera footage has been collected and will be reviewed as part of the investigation, authorities confirmed. Once the review is complete, findings will be presented to the district attorney for a determination on whether the use of force was legally justified under state law.
Community Reaction
Neighbors gathered near the scene Sunday evening after hearing the single gunshot.
“It’s unsettling to see this much police activity in what’s supposed to be an empty building,” said Maria Lopez, who lives two blocks away. “I just hope the woman is okay.”
Local activist group Justice for Allentown called for transparency and urged officials to release body-camera footage promptly.
“We need answers, not secrecy,” the group posted on social media Monday morning. “The community deserves a full accounting of what led to this shooting.”
Key Takeaways
- The incident remains under active investigation by the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.
- The woman’s condition and identity have not been disclosed.
- Authorities emphasized there is no broader threat to public safety.
- Body-camera footage has been secured and will factor into the review.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lehigh County Detective Division at 610-782-3254 or submit an anonymous tip through the Lehigh Valley Crime Stoppers website.
Michael A. Turner reported for News Of Philadelphia.
