An unidentified motorcyclist is in guarded condition Saturday after ignoring police commands to put down his handgun and was fired upon by a Bensalem Township Police officer following what apparently started out as a road rage incident involving a motorist, authorities said.
Public Safety Director William McVey said the original incident was called into 911 around 5:45 this evening.
Below is a press release from McVey on the incident:
Bensalem Township Police received a 911 call from a motorist who stated that a male on a motorcycle pointed a gun at him on Bristol Pike near the intersection of Biddle Lane.
Police were advised that the motorcycle was still following the victim as they traveled northbound on Bristol Pike.
A Bensalem Officer was in the area and caught up to them in the area of Bristol Pike and Appleton Avenue, where the two vehicles were stopped in traffic. The officer pulled his vehicle between the complainant’s car and the motorcycle and exited the patrol vehicle. As the officer came around the rear of his vehicle, the motorcyclist was on foot with a gun in his right hand. The officer issued commands, but the motorcyclist did not comply. The Bensalem Officer discharged his weapon and struck him; he fell to the ground.
Bensalem Police immediately began life-saving measures, and the male was transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he had surgery for the gunshot wounds. He is out of surgery and listed in guarded condition. The motorcyclist’s black handgun was recovered at the scene. The identity of the motorcyclist is not being released at this time.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is handling the investigation, and all questions should be directed to their office. Bensalem Police are releasing no further information.
