Allentown, PA — A man is dead and two others were injured following a shooting at a bar in Allentown early Friday morning. Authorities identified the victim who died as 34-year-old David J. Gibbs.
Allentown police responded to reports of a shooting around 1:30 a.m. at the 1300 block of Hanover Avenue, outside Big Woody’s Sports Bar & Restaurant. Officers found two victims with gunshot wounds at the scene and provided first aid before transporting them to a nearby hospital. Gibbs later died from his injuries. A coroner’s office ruled the manner of death as homicide, noting that he died as a result of gunshot injuries. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted Monday.
Police said a short time later, an additional victim from the shooting arrived at a hospital. Both surviving victims are expected to recover, according to authorities. Preliminary information indicates that a fight inside the bar led to the shooting.
Allentown police emphasized that the investigation is active and ongoing, and there is no danger to the public at this time. Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan stated, “While the investigation remains ongoing, from what we have learned so far, there doesn’t appear to be any risk to the public connected to this incident.”
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk expressed his condolences, saying, “I am aware of the tragic incident overnight, and my heart is with the families affected, especially during the holiday season. I urge our community to act with wisdom and compassion and to reject violence. This was an isolated incident, now under investigation by the Allentown Police Department, and it does not define Allentown.”
Friends of Gibbs expressed shock and sorrow over the loss. Luis Diaz, a friend, said, “I just woke up this morning and I seen it and I was just devastated. He was a father. And nobody deserves this, you know what I mean?”
The Allentown Police Department, Lehigh County DA’s Office, Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office are actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Allentown Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 610-437-7721 or the Complaint Desk at 610-437-7753. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Tip411 via the Allentown Police Department website or Facebook page.