Suspect identified in deadly Bethlehem Twp. standoff

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WTXF) - BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) -- Police have identified the man they say was behind the deadly hours-long standoff in Lehigh County on Friday.

Police say 36-year-old Justin Kephart killed a woman and shot at police before ending his own life. Preliminary reports indicate that the woman killed was the suspect's mother.

State police say Kephart was found dead in the Bethlehem Township home when police entered at about 9:45 p.m. Friday.

Township police officers responded to the 1500 block of Dennis Street after a 911 caller just before 1:30 p.m. Friday reporting a woman lying in the yard "bleeding."

Lt. Joseph Sokolofski said officers were fired upon as they approached. An armored vehicle drew fire as it was used to extract an officer who was pinned down.

Gunfire erupted during a FOX 29 interview with a neighbor who lives down the street from where the standoff occurred.

Sokolofski said Kephart apparently used a semi-automatic rifle. He lived at the home with his grandmother, who wasn't home.