UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — A woman trying to break into a township home early Thursday fatally shot themself after negotiating with police for 30 minutes, authorities said.
Jessica M. Gracia, 35, of Northampton, received medical aid at the scene and was taken to a local hospital, where she died, according to a release from Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan's office.
After an autopsy today, Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio ruled the death a suicide.
The investigation at this point indicates no additional danger to the public, and it appears to have been an isolated incident, according to the release.
Officers arrived and encountered a subject outside of a home armed with a firearm. After they negotiated with the person for more than 30 minutes, the subject shot themself.Lehigh County District Attorney's office release
Upper Saucon Township Police officers were dispatched to the 4800 Block of West Hopewell Road — a residential neighborhood — at 12:48 a.m. Thursday for a 911 call, the release says.
The call reported someone breaking into a home followed by gun shots.
Officers arrived and encountered a subject outside of a home armed with a firearm. After they negotiated with the person for more than 30 minutes, Gracia shot herself, the release said.
"We wish to thank our first responding partners for their assistance with this incident," the district attorney's office said in the release.
An investigation by Upper Saucon Township Police, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and the State Police Forensic Services Unit continues, the release said.
More information will be released when it becomes available, authorities said.
