EASTON, PA — A 25-year-old Pennsylvania man is facing felony charges after police say he shot himself in the eye with a stolen firearm.
Christopher Harper Noel, of Pennsylvania, was charged with receiving stolen property – firearm, firearms not to be carried without a license, and recklessly endangering another person.
On March 16, 2026, at 2:55 p.m., Forks Township Police Department responded to the 2900 block of Meadow Lane Drive for a report of a gunshot victim.
The victim reported being shot inside a vehicle at a gas station in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and driven back to a residence on Meadow Lane Drive.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with Noel, who had an apparent gunshot wound to the left eye, with an entry wound on the inside portion of his left eye and what appeared to be an exit wound in the left temple area.
Officers on scene were aware that Noel was on probation with Northampton County and had an ankle monitor.
Officers made contact with Noel’s probation officer, who provided a location history for Noel, showing him to be in the area of the 900 block of Ramblewood Drive during the times Noel reported he was in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Officers were able to access video surveillance in the area of Ramblewood Drive that showed Noel’s actions during the times of the incident.
A witness reported hearing a single gunshot from the area at a specific time, which matched what was observed on video surveillance.
Officers canvassed the area where the incident took place and located a loaded firearm, which was later determined to be stolen from the City of Easton.
Detectives also located a small pool of blood and a spent casing in the area.
On March 23, 2026, detectives spoke with Noel, who admitted stealing the firearm from a vehicle in the City of Easton, walking to the 900 block of Ramblewood Drive with the firearm concealed on his person, intentionally discharging the firearm into his left eye, and discarding the firearm nearby.
The area surrounding where the incident occurred was within close proximity to occupied buildings, residences and a bike path.
After consulting with the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, criminal charges were approved.
Noel was arraigned on the charges on March 25, 2026 and remains incarcerated at Northampton County Prison.
