BENSALEM, Pa. (WPVI) — A motorcyclist was shot by a police officer after a road rage incident escalated into a violent confrontation in Bensalem, Bucks County, over the weekend.<\/p>\n
Authorities say the situation began when a motorcyclist threatened another driver with a gun. The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. Saturday near Woodhaven Road and Route 13.<\/p>\n
According to police, a driver and a motorcyclist were traveling northbound on Route 13 when they got into a dispute. The motorcyclist, identified as 44-year-old John Mathis, allegedly threatened a couple in a white car.<\/p>\n
The victims told police that Mathis pointed a gun at them and followed them down Bristol Pike, prompting them to call 911.<\/p>\n
“Just imagine if you’re driving with your family in your car, and some guy pulls up on a motorcycle and points a gun at your head,” said Director of Public Safety William McVey.<\/p>\n
Video obtained by Action News shows the officer arriving on the scene and positioning the cruiser between the victim’s car and the motorcycle.<\/p>\n
“The suspect on the motorcycle abruptly accelerated and slammed into the side of the police cruiser, and then fled on foot armed with a handgun,” McVey said.<\/p>\n
Police say Mathis did not comply with commands, and a veteran officer opened fire.<\/p>\n
“He then had to make the decision to fire his weapon to end the threat,” said McVey.<\/p>\n
Action News has learned that Mathis has a history of road rage. Just last week, he was arrested following an incident in Levittown where he is accused of causing a crash and then using a baseball bat to smash the windshield of a car.<\/p>\n
Police say Mathis has several other arrests dating back to 2001.<\/p>\n
“He’s someone who has continuously victimized residents of Bucks County,” McVey said.<\/p>\n
No other injuries were reported. Police say a black handgun was recovered at the scene.<\/p>\n
Authorities say Mathis had a GPS monitor on at one point this year but cut it off. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant at the time of Saturday’s incident.<\/p>\n
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is handling the investigation and will determine any charges that need to be filed.
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