Police officers responded to the scene after receiving multiple reports of a suspicious man carrying a machete. When officers encountered the man he was combative, mumbling and making "wild motions" with the machete, which was estimated to be 1 1/2 to 2 feet long. At that point two officers used their stun guns, one hitting the man, but officers said it appeared to have to no effect, perhaps due to his heavy clothing. The man used the machete to cut the stun gun wires off of him. The man continued to be combative and one officer fired his gun once or twice but that had no effect if the man was struck. Officers again used stun guns on the man and two officers also shot several rounds at him, striking him. The man was still not deterred and was thrashing and combative as officers handcuffed him and waited for medical assistance. A total of 13 shell casings were covered at the scene, Martin said.
Victim's Name: Saturnino Perez De La Rosa
Agency Responsible: Allentown Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 44
Race: Hispanic
Date of Death: February 21, 2013
County: Lehigh
Cause of Death: Gunshot, Taser
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: machete
Geography: Urban