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Andrew W. Krasnansky, 37, of Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, died after being shot during the incident on the 2400 block of Applebutter Road on Wednesday, March 25, authorities said.
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta announced on Wednesday, April 15, that the use of deadly force by officers was justified and no criminal charges will be filed.
The incident began as a welfare check tied to a mental health warrant for Krasnansky, who was reported to be armed and expressing suicidal ideation, according to the DA’s release.
Police established a perimeter around the home after learning a family member was inside the garage. Krasnansky then began firing numerous rounds from inside the residence, striking several police vehicles and making threats to shoot officers, prosecutors said.
The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team later responded and worked to secure the scene, successfully removing the family member using an armored vehicle.
Krasnansky remained barricaded for more than three hours, intermittently firing additional rounds at law enforcement and communicating threats, according to investigators.
At approximately 12:35 p.m., he exited the home armed with an AR-15-style rifle and moved toward a wooded area where officers had established a perimeter. Despite multiple commands to surrender, he continued advancing while armed, authorities said.
A member of the SERT team then fired, striking Krasnansky. Aid was rendered immediately, but he was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m. at St. Luke’s Hospital – Fountain Hill, according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.
Officials confirmed he died from gunshot wounds. The manner of death remains under investigation.
The shooting prompted the closure of Applebutter Road between Ringhoffer Road and Sherry Hill Road for hours before reopening at 10:11 p.m., police said.
No officers or members of the public were injured.
After reviewing body camera footage, drone video, and other evidence, the district attorney concluded the officers acted within the law, citing the threat posed by Krasnansky after he fired at police and ignored commands while armed.
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