Lehman Township, Pennsylvania

From the Scranton Times-Tribune of August 25, 2007

Suspect sought in fatal Pike shootout

State police in Blooming Grove are investigating the death of a 46-year-old township man who was shot early Friday in Pike County.

Barry James Rose, of 3182 Bexhill Court, Saw Creek Estates, was shot around 2 a.m. Friday after someone entered his home, police reported.

Police said Mr. Rose and an intruder exchanged gunfire, and Mr. Rose died.

An autopsy was performed at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, and results are pending, according to police.

Saw Creek Estates resident Kristi Wertz, 25, used to keep her car doors unlocked, but not anymore.

“Lately there has been a lot of crime in this area,” she said. “For the past seven to eight months, we’ve seen the state police here quite frequently.”

There was a major drug bust in the community on Aug. 7.

Ms. Wertz, who also works at the nearby Country Squire Deli along Winona Falls Road, has lived in the private, gated community on and off for the past 10 years and said she did not always feel so uneasy. She heard about the shooting Friday morning while at work.

“A lot of people, I think, really aren’t so surprised,” she said, referring to the recent crime activity in the community.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 226-5718.