A Fleeing Suspect is allegedly Shot to Death by Police in Hunting Park, PA
On Thursday, June 9, 2017, at about 6:45 p.m., police encountered 32-year-old David Thomas Jones, who was riding a dirt bike. At the time, the officers had been transporting individuals to the Special Victims Unit. Police allege that Jones had been driving the dirt bike recklessly. When the dirt bike stalled on a sidewalk, an officer exited his vehicle and attempted to question Jones. Officers say Jones turned away from police and placed his hands in his front waistband. A pat down was performed by police and the officer felt a gun in Jones’ waistband. At that point, the officer drew his weapon. Jones was repeatedly instructed not to touch his gun. Officers claim there was a struggle, after which Jones pulled the gun from his waistband. A police officer says that he squeezed the trigger on his service weapon, but it didn’t fire. The officer “cleared the stoppage,” investigators say, and then started allegedly firing at Jones as he began running away. Jones was allegedly shot in the buttocks and back. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where at 6:59 p.m. he was pronounced dead. Jones’ gun was found to be loaded with 15 bullets, law enforcement officers say.
The surveillance video of the incident has not been released. Commissioner Ross said it could be taken out of context, and it may not show that the suspect was threatening to fire while he was running away. Video available from an Action Cam at the scene shows a gun feet away from the dirt bike Jones had been riding.
Ross said officers are allowed to shoot a suspect who is fleeing, according to departmental policy.
In keeping with standard procedures and as the investigation into the incident is conducted, the officer who allegedly shot Jones is on administrative leave.
–Guest Contributor
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