Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced July 11 that a jury convicted a Bethlehem man charged with aggravated assault and related charges in a 2022 Father’s Day shooting at a Catasauqua playground.

Kian Deater, 22, was convicted on all charges related to the shooting, including aggravated assault — attempt to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference, a felony of the first degree; aggravated assault — attempt to cause or cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon, a felony of the second degree; possession of firearm prohibited, a felony of the first degree; firearms not to be carried without a license, a felony of the third degree; and misdemeanor charges of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

The trial was recently held before Judge James T. Anthony. Deater’s sentencing is set for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 5. Deater could face a maximum of 51 years in prison.

Catasauqua police were called to Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St., around 6:45 p.m. June 19, 2022, for a report of shots fired. At the time, the park was filled with adults and children, including a group of people playing basketball. Deater, armed with a handgun, fired several rounds at an occupied vehicle near the basketball courts, according to the report.

The investigation included video surveillance of the shooting that showed Deater firing at the vehicle and several people fleeing the park. Deater was arrested minutes later at the park, and the loaded gun was recovered nearby in the park where it had been discarded.

At the time of this shooting, Deater was still on parole for an earlier shooting that occurred in Emmaus June 12, 2019.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Bethany Zampogna. The case was investigated by Catasauqua Police Officer Joelle Mota, as well as the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Firearm and Tool Mark Laboratory.