BENSALEM, Pa. — A man was fatally shot by police on Friday evening after a prolonged standoff that began during a traffic stop near Route 1 and Old Lincoln Highway, according to authorities.
The incident began around 3:50 p.m. when Bensalem Police stopped a vehicle for a code violation. The driver, who told officers he was armed and would not return to jail, refused to comply with instructions to exit the vehicle. Officers attempted to negotiate with the driver for 45 minutes before he fled the scene.
A pursuit ensued, involving both Bensalem Police and Pennsylvania State Police. Officers eventually boxed in the vehicle, forcing it to stop. Both the driver and a passenger refused to exit, prompting a two-hour negotiation during which the driver repeatedly claimed he was armed.
After efforts to de-escalate the situation failed, Bensalem SWAT deployed tear gas. Police said the driver then raised a handgun and pointed it at officers, prompting them to open fire. The driver was removed from the vehicle, and officers attempted life-saving measures before he was transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The passenger was taken into custody unharmed.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation into the shooting. No names have been released, and the district attorney has stated that no further comments will be made until the investigation concludes.
Officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with department policy, pending the outcome of the investigation.