HONESDALE -- A Prompton man was shot to death by police this morning, following a tense overnight standoff at the man’s home of Balsam Swamp Road.
At a press conference later this morning, District Attorney Patrick Robinson said he believes the PA State Police exercised great restraint in dealing with James Sorrentino, 36, of Prompton who had been suffering from mental health issues and refusing to take his medication.
DA Robinson and Troop R Commanding Officer Capt. Sherman Shadle said three troopers involved in the shooting have been place on administrative leave and will be interviewed, based on PSP protocol, after 72 hours.
Sorrentino’s relatives called 911 early Monday morning, with a report that he had threatened them and discharged a weapon. State Police arrived on scene at 2:50 am and attempted to negotiate with Sorrentino to surrender.
Capt. Shadle said Sorrentino refused to cooperate, moved in and out of the house and pointed weapons at the troopers on numerous occasions. The officers refrained from firing until approximately 7:15 am, when Sorrentino fired a weapon at the State Troopers. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else on the scene was hurt.
DA Robinson said the matter will be thoroughly investigated by the PA State Police Troop R Major Case team in conjunction with the DA’s office and Chief County Detective Peter Hower.
Robinson said, “I am very thankful that no member of PSP or the general public were injured in this incident. This is an extremely sad situation for the Sorrentino family and our prayers and condolences go out to them.”
Robinson said he would expect a report on the completed investigation to be forthcoming “within days, rather than weeks.” Wayne County Coroner Edward Howell has ordered a post-mortem exam for Tuesday, June 26.
If anyone has any information concerning this investigation, they are asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale at 570-253-7126.