A man is recovering in the hospital after being shot by a Bensalem police officer Saturday evening following a road rage incident, police said.
According to Bensalem Township police, officers responded to a 911 call around 5:45 p.m. from a motorist who reported that a man on a motorcycle had pointed a gun at them near the intersection of Bristol Pike and Biddle Lane.
An officer in the area found both the motorcycle and the victim’s car near Bristol Pike and Appleton Avenue, where they were stopped in traffic. Police said the officer positioned his patrol car between the two and exited. As the officer came around the back of the car, the motorcyclist was standing with a gun in his right hand, police said.
The motorcycle slid and struck the police car as it stopped, according to William McVey, the director of public safety for the Bensalem Police Department. The motorcyclist then ran away with a handgun in his hand as the officer chased after him. The officer issued verbal commands, but police say the man did not listen. The officer then shot the motorcyclist, investigators said.
“It should be noted that the officer gave multiple commands for the suspect to show his hands prior to having to fire his weapon,” McVey said.
Police immediately began life-saving measures. The motorcyclist was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.
A black handgun was recovered at the scene. The occupants of the other vehicle were not injured.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation.
