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Suspect ID’d in Pa. police officer’s slaying

Freemansburg Officer Robert Lasso was fatally shot Thursday

Duty Death: Robert Lasso - [Freemansburg]

Associated Press

FREEMANSBURG, Pa. — Authorities have identified the man they say killed a Pennsylvania borough police officer who was responding to a report of a domestic dispute.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli identified the suspect in the killing of Freemansburg Officer Robert Lasso as 46-year-old George Hitcho Jr.

Investigators say Hitcho fatally shot Lasso as the officer approached his home Thursday afternoon. A shotgun police believe was used in the killing was recovered at the scene.

Court documents show Lasso had previously arrested Hitcho in a case that ended with Hitcho pleading guilty to a drug paraphernalia charge in 2007.

Lasso was pronounced dead at a hospital before 6 p.m. Thursday. Officials say he was married with two young children.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press

Suspect Charged With Freemansburg Police Officer’s Slaying: MyFoxPHILLY.com