Man barricades himself inside home after threatening to kill girlfriend, chasing her outside while holding rifle, police say
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
BETHLEHEM, Pa - Just after 1 pm Thursday, Bethlehem Police responded to a residence in the 900 block of N. New St. for a report of a domestic-related assault, according to a news release.
Arriving officers made contact with the victim of the assault, who stated her adult boyfriend had just violently assaulted her, which included the subject strangulating her and threatening to kill her.
According to police, the victim ran outside the residence after the assault, with the subject pursuing her outside while carrying a rifle. The subject then went back inside the residence shortly before the police arrived.
Video capture - Original video taken by Bri C.
Arriving officers attempted to make contact with the subject, but were unsuccessful, police say.
Police obtained an arrest warrant for the subject, as well as a search warrant for the residence.
The Bethlehem Police Department’s Emergency Response Team was then called to the scene.
After multiple efforts to persuade the individual to leave the house, he finally surrendered to police shortly before 4 pm.
Both vehicle and foot traffic were limited in the vicinity of the residence for approximately 3 hours during the incident.
The subject has been identified as 30-year-old Jose Martin Lopez of Bethlehem.
Lopez is charged with Strangulation, Simple Assault, Terroristic Threats, and Harassment. He was expected to be preliminarily arraigned later this afternoon on these charges.
The named subject is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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