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Lehigh County officials have released details regarding a deadly incident involving police officers at a Weis grocery store in South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, earlier this year. On May 11, officers responded to reports of a man acting belligerently at the store. The man, identified as 45-year-old Timothy Vanbilliard, reportedly threw a wine bottle at the officers, prompting them to use a Taser to subdue him.
Vanbilliard was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he later died. According to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan, an investigation determined that Vanbilliard's death resulted from methamphetamine toxicity and existing heart disease. The coroner, Daniel Buglio, ruled the death accidental, noting that the use of the Taser did not contribute to Vanbilliard's death.
The investigation, which included reviews of police body cam footage and surveillance video, concluded that the officers' use of force was justified and necessary to protect the public and themselves. As a result, no charges will be filed against the officers involved. WFMZ reported that Vanbilliard's behavior was described as erratic, paranoid, and uncooperative, with his speech appearing disjointed and untethered to reality.
The district attorney emphasized that the force used was not deadly and was intended to protect everyone involved. NBC Philadelphia noted that the DA's office and the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force both investigated the incident, confirming that the officers acted appropriately under Pennsylvania law.