An armed man reported a burglary at his home and then shot a police officer who was responding to that burglary, according to investigators.
Investigators say William Sturtevant, 46, reported to Lehigh County Radio Dispatch that intruders had broken into his home on the 4700 block of Main Street in Whitehall Township Saturday around 2 a.m.
Sturtevant told the dispatcher that he was hiding inside his closet while armed. Police officers arrived at Sturtevant's home and announced their presence before entering the basement, officials said. Lehigh County Radio also alerted Sturtevant that police had arrived, according to investigators.
The officers entered an open back basement door and began searching for the reported intruders, officials said. As the officers walked up the staircase to the first floor, Sturtevant allegedly opened fire at them.
One officer was shot in the thigh by pellets from Sturtevant's shotgun, police said. The officer was taken to the hospital where he is currently listed in stable condition.
Police say the officers did not return fire or discharge their weapons at any time. The reported intruders were never found.
Sturtevant was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault, assault of law enforcement officer and recklessly endangering another person. He will be arraigned at Lehigh County Central Booking.
Police continue to investigate the reported burglary. If you have any information, please call the Detective Division at 610-437-3042.
