BENSALEM TWP., Pa. – A Bensalem police officer shot a motorcyclist who was armed and running away on foot on Saturday night, according to officials. 

The suspect, identified as John Thomas Mathis, 44, of Levittown, was injured in the shooting and hospitalized, according to the Bucks County DA’s Office. 

Police say that on Saturday at approximately 5:43 p.m., Bensalem Township police received a 911 call from a driver who said that a man on a motorcycle pointed a gun at him on Bristol Pike near the intersection of Biddle Lane. 

The victim reported that Mathis engaged in a series of aggressive driving maneuvers and had brandished a gun before allegedly pointing it at his face and threatening to rob him, according to officials. 

Police were told that Mathis was still following the driver as they travelled northbound on Bristol Pike, according to the press release. 

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, according to authorities. 

Officials say that the officer pulled his vehicle between the caller’s car and the motorcycle and he exited his patrol car. 

As the officer came around the rear of his vehicle, Mathis was on foot with a gun in his right hand, according to the press release. 

Police say that the officer issued commands, but Mathis did not comply. The Bensalem officer shot his weapon and struck him, the press release says. Mathis fell to the ground. 

Bensalem police immediately began life-saving measures, and the man was transported to the hospital, where he had surgery for the gunshot wounds, according to officials. 

The motorcyclist is out of surgery and listed in guarded condition, officials say. 

Authorities say that 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.