Three Scranton police officers in an unmarked car patrolled West Side shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 11, 2024.
They were investigating two shootings overnight in South Side and the Hill Section. They identified a gray 2006 Ford Fusion and two young men as suspects live-streaming on Instagram and forecasting more trouble ahead in the Hyde Park neighborhood of West Scranton.
Detective Sgt. Joseph Lafferty, Detective Jason Hyler and Detective Kyle Gilmartin responded to that area and spotted the Ford Fusion near the 500 block of North Decker Court.
Scranton Police Department Detective Kyle Gilmartin
There, within moments, a young man walked up to the officers’ black Chevrolet Impala and pulled out a .38-special handgun.
“He got a gun,” yelled Gilmartin, who was seated in the front passenger seat.
The gunman fired five shots at point-blank range into the sedan’s passenger-side windows.
Gilmartin was shot twice in the head, critically wounded.
Lafferty, who was driving the police sedan, returned fire, striking the gunman several times as he ran back to the Ford and collapsed near the vehicle.
Scranton Police Sgt. Anthony Shields, right, talks with a Pennsylvania State Trooper on Swetland Street at North Decker Court in West Scranton after a Scranton police officer was shot on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Pennsylvania State Troopers investigate in the 1100 block of Swetland Street in West Scranton after a Scranton police officer was shot on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The brazen crime stunned the city and beyond. It brought the growing problem of gang-related and youth violence to the forefront and foreshadowed a spate of unrelated homicides that would mark 2024 as one of Scranton’s deadliest years.
Gilmartin, who was rushed to Geisinger Community Medical Center, miraculously survived the shooting and has made a remarkable recovery — though his life was and will remain irrevocably altered.
Awaiting justice
One year later, Gilmartin – a Luzerne County native – now awaits justice through the pending criminal prosecution of the accused shooter, Aiden Deininger, 21, of Old Forge, who is charged with three counts of attempted murder of law enforcement officers and other violations, and his co-defendant, Jeremiah Cleveland, 20, of Mayfield, who faces gun charges in connection with the two prior related shootings.
Deininger was 20 and Cleveland was 19 at the time of the shooting.
“Personally, I will not rest until the shooter is held accountable for this crime,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said in a phone interview Thursday.
During a media event Friday at Scranton Police Department headquarters about the one-year anniversary of the crime, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and Police Chief Thomas Carroll reflected on Gilmartin’s ordeal and the city’s difficult year of 2024. They also spoke of how it highlighted the strength of the Police Department and the support of the community.
Scranton police Chief Thomas Carroll and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti speak to the media in the Scranton Police Department on the 1-year anniversary of the gang-related shooting of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Cognetti and Carroll both recalled how their hearts sunk upon getting phone calls that Gilmartin had been shot and was clinging to life. They feared Gilmartin wouldn’t survive, but he made it through surgery.
They also knew it was their job to support Gilmartin and address fears in the community.
“Policing is a dangerous job in a deadly environment,” Carroll said.
Scranton police Chief Thomas Carroll speaks to the media in the Scranton Police Department on the 1-year anniversary of the shooting of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Strong support
Gilmartin previously had been a police officer in several area departments, including Ashley, Duryea, Old Forge, Pittston Twp. and Wilkes-Barre Twp.
The shooting sparked an immediate and continued outpouring of support for Gilmartin and his family, including a GoFundMe campaign and numerous fundraisers and events throughout the region.
Astoundingly, Gilmartin’s initial recovery resulted in his transfer in less than two weeks — on Jan. 23 — from GCMC to Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Elkins Park near Philadelphia. When departing GCMC, Gilmartin was dressed in his police uniform and wore his police hat as he was wheeled out of the hospital on a bed and into a waiting ambulance amid a large crowd of officers and well-wishers. Appearing in good spirits and smiling, Gilmartin stretched out his right arm and clasped hands with several officers lining the sidewalk on his way out of the hospital. Gilmartin then raised his arm in a wave to the crowd.
His improvement continued such that on Feb. 26, then-U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, announced that Gilmartin would be Cartwright’s guest at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7.
Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin, at left, his wife, Lindsay, and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, in Feb. 2024, when Cartwright announced Gilmartin would be his guest at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7, 2024.
Cartwright’s announcement included a statement of thanks from Gilmartin to Cartwright and the community for their steadfast support.
“Congressman Cartwright checked in on me daily since I was shot and nearly killed. My family thanks the city of Scranton and the community for the outpouring of support they have provided us. We can never thank everyone enough. We love our community and its leaders,” Gilmartin said in that statement.
Hero’s homecoming
Then, on March 1, only seven weeks after surviving two bullets to the head, Gilmartin was discharged and came home to a hero’s welcome. Hundreds of supporters and well-wishers gathered at Scranton Police Headquarters to welcome him home, including Gilmartin’s fellow officers, who stood in tight columns and watched as their wounded colleague walked out to meet the cheering crowd.
During the event, police Chief Thomas Carroll remarked how it was something he initially thought would never be possible.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the homecoming of a strong man who defied the odds,” Carroll told the crowd. “An officer of the law with selfless dedication to this very noble profession.”
Scranton Police detective Kyle Gilmartin hugs Scranton Police Chief Tom Carroll as he arrives for a ceremony to celebrate his return to Scranton at Scranton Police Headquarters on Friday, March 1, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Standing strong at the podium with his wife, Lindsay, and brother, Ian, Gilmartin spoke clearly.”Firstly I would like to say that I am not the hero of this situation,” he said. “The police officers I was with that night, the medical staff (and) my surgeons at Geisinger CMC and the nurses and therapists at Moss Rehab outside of Philadelphia are the true heroes of this situation.”
Scranton Police detective Kyle Gilmartin sits at a table with his wife, Lindsay, during a ceremony to celebrate his return to Scranton at Scranton Police Headquarters on Friday, March 1, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
On Friday, Cognetti and Carroll recalled how on March 1 they were able to embrace Gilmartin, talk with him and know that, even though he still had a long way to go, he was all right and a survivor.
Cognetti recalled sitting with Gilmartin’s grandmother as they waited for Gilmartin to return to the city, which reinforced that he was not only an officer but also a grandson, son, husband and father.
Mayor Paige Cognetti hugs Scranton police detective Kyle Gilmartin following a ceremony to celebrate his return to Scranton on March 1. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN/STAFF PHOTO)
Carroll said he didn’t want to make “a show” of Gilmartin’s return to the city. But so many people turned out to honor him and show respect, that it felt like the right response to the return of an officer willing to risk his life for the community and who survived getting shot in the line of duty.
Scranton Police officers salute during a special ceremony to celebrate detective Kyle Gilmartin’s return to Scranton on Friday, March 1, 2024. ( CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Gilmartin’s strength has undergirded the community and the department.
“His fortitude is our fortitude,” Carroll said Friday. “He makes us stronger.
Carroll also credited his officers with their response after the shooting, getting Gilmartin to a trauma unit within three minutes of the shooting.
“It’s a testament to the brotherhood,” Carroll said. “Nothing less than stellar.”
Scranton police Chief Thomas Carroll speaks to the media in the Scranton Police Department on the 1-year anniversary of the shooting of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Telling his story
Gilmartin started an Instagram page in mid-March with videos explaining and discussing his ordeal and situation — physically, mentally and emotionally.
In a strong, clear voice, Gilmartin spoke about his wounds and what was to come in the near future — surgery to replace portions of his skull that were removed by doctors, and therapy to try to regain lost functions.
In an introductory video, Gilmartin at first wore a protective helmet and then removed it to reveal a a scar where the bullet hit on his lower right forehead near his temple, as well as a large vertical scar stretching from his scalp down to his right eyebrow, and the right side of his head missing skull portions.
Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin, who was shot twice in the head Jan. 11, 2024 in the line of duty, started an Instagram page on March 12, on which he discusses his ordeal. Photo is a screenshot image from a video Reel he posted on Instagram on March 14, 2024.
“I’m going to start this video out with a helmet on just so you could understand why I wear it,” Gilmartin says in this post. He then takes off the helmet and continues. “I was shot twice in the right side of the head, which severely injured the right side of my brain. The right side of the brain controls the left (side) functions of your body.”
He then points out a forehead scar near his right temple where the first bullet hit, and then tilts his head to show the back of the right side of his head where the second bullet entered.
“Due to the brain injury, I lost, I have partial paralysis in my left arm and hand and I can’t use it like I used to be able to,” Gilmartin said. And my left leg also has been affected by it, but it’s coming back after therapy and just general healing in my brain.”
He explained how he needs more surgery to rebuild his skull.
Gilmartin explained how the shooting confronted him with a choice, saying, “And since this happened I realized that I can roll up in a ball of depression, be angry,” but he was determined to remain positive and strong. “I had two choices after this injury, mentally, and one was to be weak and give up and sulk over it and be sad and do the ‘Oh, why poor me?’ attitude about it. Or I could say, ‘(expletive) it. This isn’t stopping me and I’m going to do everything that I can to keep progressing.’”
Scranton police Det. Kyle Gilmartin talks with friends during his benefit gathering at the Waldorf Park Social Club in the East Mountain on March 23, 2024. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Lynn Labrosky of Scranton takes a selfie with Scranton Police Det. Kyle Gilmartin during a fundraiser for Gilmartin at Montage Mountain on Friday, April 12, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Prosecution proceeds
At a preliminary hearing on June 7, Gilmartin faced the accused shooter in court. During emotional testimony, prosecutors described the events of the evening. Gilmartin, who did not testify, was quiet and self-contained throughout the proceedings.
When prosecutors played graphic bodycam video of the shooting and frantic efforts by fellow officers to save him, Gilmartin stepped out of the courtroom for a time. Officer James Petrucci choked up as he described rushing to the scene, after hearing Gilmartin on police transmissions yell, “He got a gun,” followed by a volley of rapid gunshots.
More recently, the defense filed pre-trial motions. The prosecution must respond by Jan. 31. After that, the court will schedule a hearing.
Aiden DeiningerJeremiah Cleveland, 19, of 817 Walnut Street in Mayfield, talks to the media as he is escorted out of the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Dunmore on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Thin blue line
On July 30, Gilmartin addressed the graduating class of the Lackawanna College Police Academy. A 2010 graduate of the academy, Gilmartin described the job of a police officer as a life of self sacrifice dedicated to helping others and keeping communities safe.
“To do this job, you must be in possession of the courage to enter situations which can get you hurt or killed,” he said during the address that is posted online.
Several times during his presentation to the graduates, Gilmartin was overcome and was silent for several seconds. In those moments, the audience applauded his bravery and Gilmartin was able to continue.
“Once I was shot, I was concious enough to know I was dying, but due to the courage and bravery of my partner that night, I survived,” Gilmartin said.
Noting his fellow officers got him to the hospital in under three minutes, Gilmartin said, “Without these men, I wouldn’t be here speaking to you today.”
Seeking accountability
In August, Gilmartin sued Deininger’s parents, Alex and Crystal Eastman, of Nicholson, claiming they did not properly secure the gun used to shoot him, although they were aware of Deininger’s violent tendencies and past instances of theft.
Gilmartin suffered serious and permanent injuries, neurological function issues, mental anxiety, anguish and severe shock to his nervous system, according to the lawsuit filed in Lackawanna County Court.
Gilmartin will continue to undergo severe pain and suffering as a result of the shooting; he will be unable to engage in his usual activities; and he faces a loss of earnings and a reduction on future earning capacity, claims the lawsuit, which seeks over $100,000 in damages and remains pending in court.
Honoring a hero
Also in August, Pittston honored Gilmartin as the grand marshal of the the Pittston Tomato Festival parade.
In September, King’s College presented Gilmartin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.Gilmartin had graduated from the Lackawanna College Police Academy in 2010 and also attended King’s College from fall 2008 through spring 2012.
The Rev. Thomas Looney, president of King’s College, reviewed Gilmartin’s transcript and saw that his King’s college credits, along with subsequent credits earned at Lackawanna College, qualified Gilmartin to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from King’s.
Looney said that granting the degree was a wonderful way to honor a police officer who had risked his life to keep the community safe.
“I appreciate everything this community has done for us,” Gilmartin said, after receiving his degree. “They kept us going. Thank you.”
Staff Writer Jeff Horvath contributed to this article
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Scranton Police Department Detective Kyle Gilmartin
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Scranton Police detective Kyle Gilmartin hugs Scranton Police Chief Tom Carroll as he arrives for a ceremony to celebrate his return to Scranton at Scranton Police Headquarters on Friday, March 1, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton Police officers salute during a special ceremony to celebrate detective Kyle Gilmartin’s return to Scranton on Friday, March 1, 2024. ( CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton Police detective Kyle Gilmartin sits at a table with his wife, Lindsay, during a ceremony to celebrate his return to Scranton at Scranton Police Headquarters on Friday, March 1, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Mayor Paige Cognetti hugs Scranton police detective Kyle Gilmartin following a ceremony to celebrate his return to Scranton on March 1. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN/STAFF PHOTO)
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Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin, at left, his wife, Lindsay, and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, in Feb. 2024, when Cartwright announced Gilmartin would be his guest at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7, 2024.
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Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin, who was shot twice in the head Jan. 11, 2024 in the line of duty, started an Instagram page on March 12, on which he discusses his ordeal. Photo is a screenshot image from a video Reel he posted on Instagram on March 14, 2024.
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Scranton Police Det. Kyle Gilmartin shakes hands with First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania John Gurganus during a fundraiser for Gilmartin at Montage Mountain on Friday, April 12. (CHRIS DOLAN/STAFF PHOTO)
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Lynn Labrosky of Scranton takes a selfie with Scranton Police Det. Kyle Gilmartin during a fundraiser for Gilmartin at Montage Mountain on Friday, April 12, 2024. (CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton police Det. Kyle Gilmartin talks with friends during his benefit gathering at the Waldorf Park Social Club in the East Mountain on March 23, 2024. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton police Chief Thomas Carroll and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti speak to the media in the Scranton Police Department on the 1-year anniversary of the gang-related shooting of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti speaks to the media in the Scranton Police Department on the 1-year anniversary of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton police Chief Thomas Carroll speaks to the media in the Scranton Police Department on the 1-year anniversary of the shooting of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton police Chief Thomas Carroll reflects on the shooting of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin in the Scranton Police Department. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton police Chief Thomas Carroll speaks to the media in the Scranton Police Department on the 1-year anniversary of the shooting of Scranton police officer Kyle Gilmartin. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Scranton Police Department Detective Kyle Gilmartin
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