The incident began around 3:50 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, when Bensalem Police stopped a vehicle near Route 1 and Old Lincoln Highway for a traffic violation. According to police, the driver refused to comply, claimed to be armed, and stated he would not return to jail.
Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation for 45 minutes before the driver fled, prompting a police chase. Pennsylvania State Police joined Bensalem officers in pursuing the vehicle, which was eventually boxed in at the Liberty Gas Station on Bristol Pike.
Negotiations with the driver and passenger lasted over two hours. Police said the driver repeatedly claimed to be armed and refused to exit the vehicle. Bensalem SWAT deployed tear gas to force compliance.
The standoff escalated when the driver raised a handgun and pointed it at officers, authorities said. Officers then discharged their weapons, striking the driver. He was pulled from the vehicle and officers initiated life-saving measures before he was transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The passenger was taken into custody unharmed.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation and will determine the justification for the shooting. The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, per policy, until the investigation concludes.
No officers or bystanders were injured during the incident. Police thanked the Pennsylvania State Police and Philadelphia Police Department for their assistance.
Further details, including the identities of those involved, have not been released.
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