Updated Monday, 3:30 p.m.
BENSALEM, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A motorcyclist is hospitalized after police say an officer shot him after an apparent road rage incident on Bristol Pike.
Police say around 6 p.m. Saturday, a driver reported that a motorcyclist, later identified as 44-year-old John Mathis, pointed a gun at his head and threatened him near the intersection of Biddle Lane. Mathis then followed the driver on Bristol Pike before a Bensalem officer caught up and tried to intervene.
“Without regard for his own safety, pulled his vehicle directly in front of the motorcycle to shield the victims who were ahead of the motorcycle when he was following them. The suspect on the motorcycle abruptly accelerated and slammed into the side of the police cruiser,” said William McVey, Bensalem's public safety director.
Mathis then ran off. McVey says Mathis had a gun in his hand when the officer approached. The officer, McVey said, gave multiple commands for the man to “show his hands” and drop his gun. When Mathis did not comply, the officer fired multiple shots.
First aid was rendered, and Mathis was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is listed in "guarded condition." His gun was recovered at the scene.
McVey says neither the occupants of the car nor the officer were injured in the incident.
The Bucks County District Attorney's Office is investigating. The officer will remain on administrative duty.
McVey says Mathis has a lengthy criminal history, dating back to 2001, including a warrant for failing to show for 2023 charges of aggravated assault with a vehicle while driving under the influence.