Fallen Cop Arrested Accused Killer Years Ago

The man accused of shooting and killing beloved Freemansburg police officer Robert Lasso on Thursday was arrested on drug charges back in 2006, according to court records.

What’s more interesting, is that the officer that arrested 46-year-old George Hitcho Jr. that day was Robert Lasso.

In March of 2007, Hitcho pleaded guilty to use and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Thursday, investigators say that Lasso responded to a disturbance call at a Freemansburg home on Washington Street around 5:15 p.m. when he was shot in the head at close range, allegedly by 46-year-old George Hitcho Jr.

The Freemansburg Police Chief witnessed the murder, according to court records. The chief said that he had arrived at the scene just as Hitcho's dogs were attacking Lasso. Lasso reportedly had his taser pointed at the dogs and the chief told him to shoot them. That's when he heard a gunshot and saw Lasso on the ground bleeding.

Hitcho was taken into custody Thursday night. He was charged with the officer’s murder early Friday morning.

"He's been a problem for a few years," said Chris Spengler, a neighbor of Hitcho. "his dogs run loose, he has no respect for the neighborhood and he's threatened people."

Hitcho is locked up without bail in the Northampton County Jail. The Northampton County District Attorney says that he's seeking the death penalty against him.

Lasso, a seven year veteran of the force, leaves behind a wife and two children.

Funeral arrangements are not complete yet. A memorial fund has been set up for his family at the Heights Community Federal Credit Union in Freemansburg.

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