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NEWTON TWP., PA — A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to six months in jail and over four years of probation after shooting an Instacart delivery driver outside his home earlier this year. The incident, which authorities say was based on a misunderstanding, left the driver seriously injured and highlighted the importance of properly identifying threats before using a firearm.
The Shooting Incident
According to police reports, the shooting occurred on the evening of January 20, 2025, at a residence on Misty Lane. Vanessa Sabo had placed an order through Instacart for grocery delivery but failed to inform her husband, Nicholas Sabo, 43.
When Vanessa received a motion alert from a security camera near their utility trailer and vehicles, she mistakenly believed someone was attempting a break-in. She informed her husband, who retrieved his Glock 19 from upstairs. Without verifying the nature of the perceived threat, Sabo fired a single shot at the individual outside.
The victim, 35-year-old Jerrie Wilchombe of Scranton, was struck in the leg. Wilchombe, who was making the delivery with his wife and daughter present in the vehicle, managed to flee the scene before being transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.
Upon arriving at the scene, police found Nicholas Sabo in the kitchen, with his firearm placed next to a coffee pot. He admitted to
shooting Wilchombe but did not provide a legal justification for doing so, according to South Abington Township Police Chief Paul Wolfe.
Authorities confirmed Wilchombe was lawfully delivering groceries, supported by Instacart documentation provided by his wife, Jessica Thomas.
Initially charged with reckless endangerment, Sabo later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. On March 15, 2025, he was sentenced to six months in jail, followed by four and a half years of probation.
Lessons from the Incident
This case highlights critical self-defense considerations. First, firearm owners must ensure they correctly identify a legitimate threat before using lethal force. In this case, Sabo seemingly acted on his wife’s mistaken assumption rather than assessing the situation himself. Given that Wilchombe was not attempting to enter the home or displaying any threatening behavior, the use of deadly force was legally and ethically unjustified.
Additionally, communication is key—had Vanessa Sabo informed her husband about the Instacart order, the entire situation could have been avoided. Situational awareness and responsible firearm use are paramount for anyone exercising their Second Amendment rights.
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