22°
Benjamin Fell, 21, was shot by Falls Township police last March 28 during what began as a routine traffic stop on Lincoln Highway, the DA's Office said.
Fell fled police in his 2007 silver Ford Focus, driving 75 mph in a 40 mph zone before the chase ended near Oak Lane, authorities said.
Prosecutors said Fell opened his car door, ignored police commands to show his hands, and pointed a "dark gun-shaped object" at an officer.
The officer fired two rounds at him and Fell got back in his car, again leading police on a pursuit, the DA's Office said. Fell drove over 100 mph before officers stopped him with a PIT maneuver near New Ford Mill Road and Steel Road West four miles away, according to officials.
After being stopped, authorities said Fell got out of his car and again pointed the "gun-shaped object" at the officers, who shot him.
Fell was taken to the hospital for emergency surgery. His gun, prosecutors say, turned out to be a CO2 replica of a Glock pistol.
The DA's Office previously determined the shooting was justified and First Assistant DA Edward Louka called Fell's actions a “suicide by cop” attempt.
On Wednesday, the 21-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of felony aggravated assault, felony fleeing, eluding police, and related offenses. He was sentenced to 11 to 23.5 months, the DA's Office added.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Oley and receive free news updates.
