Photo by James Short.
The suspect was taken into custody by police without injuries to police, bystanders or himself
A tense and dangerous situation unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Upper Bucks County, as police from multiple jurisdictions responded to a vehicle pursuit that escalated into an active shooter and barricaded subject incident in the 1800 block of Ridge Road in West Rockhill Township.
According to Pennridge Regional Police, the incident began in Marlborough Township, Montgomery County, where officers were dispatched to a report of a bicyclist allegedly assaulted with a firearm.
When officers arrived on scene, the suspect fled in a blue Ford Mustang, firing multiple rounds at the Marlborough Township officer and his vehicle as he fled the area, police said.
A pursuit ensued involving Marlborough Township Police, additional Montgomery County law enforcement agencies, and the Pennsylvania State Police. During the chase, the driver continued to discharge his firearm at pursuing officers as the vehicle headed north into Bucks County, police said.
The pursuit came to a halt when the Mustang became stuck in a Ridge Road construction zone after crossing County Line Road in West Rockhill Township. Witnesses reported seeing the driver firing shots from the vehicle near the construction area around noon.
A heavy law enforcement presence quickly descended on the area, including tactical and SWAT teams from the Central Bucks Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), Pennsylvania State Police SERT, and officers from multiple surrounding departments including Pennridge Regional, Limerick, New Hanover, Lower Salford, and Douglass Township. Personnel staged near Naceville Hotel on Ridge Road.
Police were able to establish a perimeter around the scene, and specially trained negotiators worked to engage the barricaded subject. After a period of negotiation, the suspect was taken into custody without injury to civilians, police officers, or the suspect himself, police said.
Emergency services, including Grand View EMS, were on standby nearby but were not required to transport any individuals. As of 2:30 p.m., authorities confirmed there was no danger to the public and no need to shelter in place.
Details on the suspect’s identity and any forthcoming criminal charges are being handled by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
