Pocono News Section

Community Reacts to Shooting

Community Reacts to Shooting - Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 5:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 @ 05:55pm EST
TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - It appears the man who was shot to death after he fired at police in
Tobyhanna Township Tuesday was suicidal.

It happened in the secluded Forest Glen Development. People buy vacation homes there to rest and relax but rest and relaxation were hard to find Tuesday when police converged on the neighborhood.

Part time resident Sue Glessner said, "The police kept us away - did not panic us and told us there was an incident occurring."

The incident was a standoff followed by a shooting. Shirley Grau lives nearby. She exclaimed, "I said "What!" in my little town - this is going on! I didn't know what to think."

It started in the morning when 27 year old Micahel Shaffer locked himself in his room and threatened to kill himself. His mother called 911.

Police tried to convince Michael to come out but he refused for more than two hours. He eventually came out and stood on his front porch. Police say Shaffer fired a gunshot into the air then turned his weapon on them and fired.

Several officer fired back at him. He later died. Glessner said, "I'm sure they're educated and taught that if that occurs they must fire in return."

State police are investigating the shooting. Three officers involved are on administrative leave until that investigation is complete.