LEHIGH COUNTY DA

District Attorney Jim Martin announced Nov. 22, charges have been filed in relation to the June 12 shooting which occurred at the Jefferson Elementary School, 520 Elm St., Emmaus.

Kian Deater, 16, of 1044 Crawford St., Bethlehem, is charged with three counts each of attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault, both felonies of the first degree. He is also charged with one count of discharge of a firearm, a felony of the third degree. Deater is being charged as an adult.

On June 12 at approximately 10:48 p.m., Emmaus police officers were dispatched to Jefferson Elementary School for a report of shots fired and two vehicles fleeing the area.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed a black Toyota Corolla and three individuals, Victim #1, Victim #2 and Victim #3, standing nearby.

Officers also observed damage to the Toyota Corolla: a bullet hole in the lower left corner of the rear driver’s side passenger door with a trajectory through the driver’s headrest and into the center front passenger side center pillar. Officers located six spent 9 mm shell casings and two live 9 mm rounds.

An investigation was undertaken during which victims were interviewed and video surveillance viewed. In addition, a handgun retrieved in the course of the investigation as well as the spent casings and shells were submitted to the Lehigh County Firearm and Tool Mark Laboratory for analysis.

As a result of the investigation, it is alleged Deater did attempt to commit homicide and aggravated assault by discharging a firearm June 12 at Jefferson Elementary School in Emmaus.

“I want to commend the Emmaus Police Department, particularly Officer Joseph Longenbach, for the work done on this case. In addition, I thank the Bethlehem Police Department for their assistance with this investigation,” Martin said.

As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant, Kian Deater, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.