Tamir Johnson dies in fatal Allentown shooting.
Fatal Allentown shooting death of Tamir Johnson, 35.
Police have confirmed the identity of the man killed during a violent early morning encounter on Hamilton Street. The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Tamir Johnson from Whitehall Township, is reported to have succumbed to his injuries shortly before dawn on Sunday at a local hospital.
The Lehigh County Coroner has officially classified the death as a homicide, with an autopsy already conducted to determine the exact cause. According to the District Attorney’s office, Johnson was involved in a confrontation that began when he passed another vehicle, a Prius, on Hamilton Street near Fifth Street before approximately 3:40 a.m.
In the immediate aftermath of overtaking, Johnson allegedly exited his Audi and approached the Prius, striking the passenger-side door with a metallic baseball bat. The authorities are currently examining whether this fatal shooting was an act of justified self-defense. The District Attorney has indicated an ongoing review of the evidence.
The driver of the Prius, who authorities say was legally armed, fled the scene after returning fire, driving approximately one and a half blocks away before stopping to call emergency services. This individual turned over his weapon to police at the scene and is currently awaiting further investigation outcomes.
The official investigation is being handled by the Allentown Police Department, the Homicide Task Force, and the District Attorney’s office. Surveillance video from the area is currently being analyzed as part of the case review.
