Jose Albert Duran Jr., a 55-year-old male Public Safety Officer, was tragically killed on September 28, 2025, while responding to a shooting incident in the gated community of The Hideout in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. The sequence of events began when 26-year-old Lucas Gartrell allegedly shot and wounded his parents, Lisa and Robert Gartrell, after they visited his home out of concern.
Officer Duran was fatally shot when he responded to the active shooter situation.
Following the shootings, Gartrell fled the scene on a motorized bicycle but was pursued and apprehended by state police after he crashed. He was found to be in possession of ammunition, gun magazines, and several knives at the time of his arrest.
Lucas Gartrell was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including criminal homicide, first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, and two counts of attempted homicide. He was later charged with theft of a firearm for allegedly taking Officer Duran's weapon after the shooting, as well as fleeing and possession of prohibited offensive weapons. According to court filings, witnesses told investigators that Gartrell suffers from bipolar disorder. He was jailed without bail following his arraignment.
Jose Albert Duran Jr. was a United States Marine Corps Reserve veteran and was described as a devoted husband and father. The community rallied around his family, holding a memorial motorcycle ride to raise money for the Jose Duran Memorial Fund.
