Lansdowne Police Chief Speaks After Deadly Shooting, Fire Last Week

LANSDOWNE, PA — Lansdowne's top cop has issued a statement after last week's tragedy in East Lansdowne that ended with six people, including three children, dead and two police officers hurt.

"As I type this, I feel sadness, pride, gratitude, and anger," Lansdowne Police Chief Ken Rutherford. "Nothing in this response is intended to lessen or prioritize any of the feelings of anyone involved in this incident over another."

East Lansdowne Police Officer John Meehan, 44, and Lansdowne Police Officer David Schiazza, 54, were called to 58 Lewis St. at about 3:47 p.m. Wednesday last week for a report of a girl being shot.

They arrived with officers from Upper Darby and were met by gunfire, with Meehan and Schiazza being shot in the arm and leg, respectively.

About 15 minutes after they were shot, the home went up in flames. This happened after authorities said Canh Van Le, 42, shot and killed his brother Xuong Le, 40; his sister-in-law Britni N. McLaughlin; and his nieces and nephews Natalya Le, 17; Nakayla Le, 13; and Xavier Le, 10,

"With just under four years as the Chief of the Lansdowne Police Department, I still consider myself 'new,'" Rutherford said in his statement. "On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, I heard a radio dispatch that no Law Enforcement Officer ever wants to hear, 'officer has been shot.' That day I witnessed two police officers suffer gunshot wounds while still being fired upon by an unknown assailant. I also witnessed other officers spring into action and extract those injured officers from the area that was under fire. These are fellow officers that I also consider friends and heroic is not enough to describe their actions."

Meehan and Schiazza have since been released from Penn Presbyterian Hospital.

"At the same time of the extraction, a coordinated effort was initiated to evacuate any hostages or victims from the residence," Rutherford said. "This effort was immediately hampered by a fast-moving fire and some additional gunfire. Again, I witnessed heroic actions of officers trying to safely enter a burning building containing a subject who seemed determined to kill and/or hurt everyone. Unfortunately, the extraction could not be made. We later learned that, sadly, those inside the residence perished."

Human remains of three people were found Thursday, then remains of three more people were found Friday. A rifle was also recovered in the charred home.

"During an overwhelming situation, the support and assistance from the entire Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS community immediately leaped into action," Rutherford said. "A coordinated and simultaneous plan was initiated to support all of the victims involved while maintaining the security and safety of the crime scene.

"Concurrently, support from the community, local politicians, and community leaders ensured the necessary resources were available for the victims, their families, and all who experienced this chaotic and devastating event.

"My heart goes out to the victims’ surviving family members and the whole community who will try to recover from the devastation that has been experienced. I cannot imagine the sorrow and loss that those impacted are feeling.

"I intentionally did not include any names out of respect for those grieving and injured, and individual recognition will come later. For now, I will say, I’m proud to be the Chief of Police, a Law Enforcement Officer, and part of the Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, and Delaware County Communities."