By The Press Enterprise Staff - Press Enterprise Writer
Last updated: May 28, 2013 - 3:13pm
MOUNT CARMEL -- A former police officer is on the lam after shooting his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend here early Tuesday morning, police say.
Anthony James Galla, 31, fired seven shots from a .40-caliber handgun in a bedroom at 244 S. Walnut St. around 1 a.m., then fled before officers arrived, police say. One of the rounds hit a man, who police have not identified, in the foot. He was reportedly in surgery for the wound Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, Galla was on the run and considered armed and dangerous. Speaking via cell phone to police, Galla made several comments about being involved in a police shooting or suicide by cop, a release states.
He most recently worked for the Butler Township Police Department in Schuylkill County, but has also held law enforcement jobs in Mount Carmel Borough, Mount Carmel Township and Kulpmont, and served in the military, police say.
Galla, who lives in Cleona and has family in New Jersey, is operating a silver 2003 Honda CRV, with a license plate number of HHD9126.
Police believe Galla has an AR-15 rifle and a Glock .40-caliber handgun, but may also be in possession of other firearms including a .45-caliber sidearm, another .40-caliber handgun and a 9-mm pistol.
If you encounter Galla, do not approach him, but call Northumberland County Communications Center at 648-3868, police say.
BERWICK – State Police evacuated the Sheetz here Friday for about three hours while they investigated a suspicious package left at the front of the building.