The Lancaster County District Attorney’s office has released the name of the Lititz Borough police officer involved in the Dec. 21 shooting that left one man dead.
Officer Joel R. Hartz responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home along the 100 block of Arrowhead Drive in Lititz around 3 a.m. Saturday, police said. The grandmother of 22-year-old David P. Giliberti called 911, saying she needed help with her grandson.
When Officer Hartz arrived at the home he was confronted by Giliberti, who threatened to kill him and tried to grab his gun. The officer tased Giliberti–but he wasn’t affected by the shock. Giliberti then went into the kitchen, grabbed a large knife and lunged at the officer, investigators said.
According to police reports, Officer Hartz fired multiple rounds after Giliberti ignored numerous orders to drop the knife.
Giliberti was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Lancaster County District Attorney’s office is investigating and will determine whether or not the officer’s use of deadly force was reasonable.
It could take several weeks to make the determination–depending on when toxicology results return from the autopsy.
Officer Hartz is a 23 veteran of the Lititz Borough Police Department, according to a release issued by the Lancaster County District Attorney’s office.
He has been placed on administrative leave.