A Bensalem Township police officer was justified in shooting a man who pulled a handgun on a motorist during a road rage incident on August 2, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn announced.
The decision came after an extensive investigation by Bucks County Detectives, which included a review of police and witness statements, police radio transmissions, body-worn camera footage, and surveillance video from nearby businesses. The officer’s name is being withheld in accordance with office protocol.
Based on the evidence, District Attorney Schorn concluded the officer was reasonable in his belief that his life and the lives of passing motorists and civilians were placed in clear and present danger at the time of the shooting. He was therefore justified in discharging his weapon and shooting the man, identified as 44-year-old John Thomas Mathis of Levittown.
The incident began at approximately 5:43 p.m. when a motorist called 911 to report that Mathis had pointed a handgun at his face and threatened to rob him on Bristol Pike.
When the officer arrived, he positioned his patrol car to protect the victim. Witnesses reported hearing the officer issue verbal commands before they saw Mathis run from his motorcycle.