David J. Gibbs Killed, Two Others Injured in Shooting at Allentown Sports Bar

Allentown, Pennsylvania — One man was killed and two others were injured early Friday morning after a fight inside Big Woody’s Sports Bar and Restaurant escalated into gunfire, authorities said.

Police responded around 1:30 a.m. to the bar at 1302 Hanover Avenue following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds, who were transported to a nearby hospital.

David J. Gibbs, 34, of Allentown, later succumbed to his injuries at 2:40 a.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office confirmed. The manner of death was ruled homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds, with an autopsy scheduled for Monday.

A third victim arrived at a hospital separately and sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries. Police said the shooting followed a fight inside the establishment but did not provide further details on a motive or suspects.

Ongoing Investigation

The Allentown Police Department, along with the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, and the Coroner’s Office, are actively investigating the incident.

Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public. District Attorney Gavin Holihan stated:

“While the investigation remains ongoing, from what we have learned so far, there doesn’t appear to be any risk to the public connected to this incident.”

No arrests have been announced. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Allentown Police Department at 610-437-7721 or submit anonymous tips via Tip411 through the department’s Facebook page or website.

 

Previous Incident at Same Location

This is the second fatal shooting at Big Woody’s in recent years. In February 2022, Anthony Rodgers, 42, of Allentown, was fatally shot outside the bar. Loron Irving was later convicted of first-degree murder and possession of a prohibited firearm in that case.