Police cadets react to Scranton officer-involved shooting
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The investigation into the shooting of a Scranton Police officer continues as is reaction and support for the officer, and the police department.
Detective Kyle Gilmartin was shot early last Thursday morning when investigators say he and two other officers were ambushed while they sat inside an unmarked police cruiser.
“It’s just a real teaching moment for our cadets that this kind of thing can happen anytime, anywhere and we always have to be prepared for it,” stated Kevin Mahoney, Director of Academy Operations at Lackawanna College Police Academy.
Mahoney says the shooting of Scranton Detective Kyle Gilmartin last week came one day after the start of classes at the academy.
“The class was very subdued for obvious reasons. Some of them because they are hired by Scranton. It’s happening in their backyard a few miles from the academy. So they understand the risks. I’m pleased to say they all came back on Friday.”
20-year-old Aiden Deininger from Old Forge was arrested less than a week later in connection with the shooting. Investigators describe the attack as an “ambush.”
Timeline: What led to the officer-involved shooting in Scranton?
Deininger is accused of firing five shots at point-blank range into an unmarked police cruiser near the intersection of North Main Avenue and Swetland Street early last Thursday morning, striking Gilmartin twice in the head.
The officers were investigating prior shootings in the city that investigators say are gang-related. An officer in Gilmartin’s car shot Deininger during the shootout.
“This is reality. We always have to be aware of our surroundings. We always have attention to detail, and situational awareness and go into every incident knowing that there is no such thing as as a routine police call,” expressed Mahoney.
The shooting is also a reminder to officers already working the streets of communities in our region.
“In split-second decisions you know you can try to plan run situations run scenarios and in those moments-seconds, you can never go through every type of scenario you can be encountered with,” explained Adam Michaels, assistant police chief in Forty Fort.
At the last report from investigators, Detective Gilmartin remains at Geisinger CMC in critical but stable condition with life-threatening injuries.
Deininger also remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Deininger is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing next week.
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