NORTH COVENTRY, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — A police officer in Chester County was deemed justified by the district attorney’s office in shooting a man officials say was trying to run him over with his patrol car in an incident last month.
On June 22, police in North Coventry went to a Lowe’s on Town Square Road investigating a retail theft that took place two days prior. They found 40-year-old suspect Joshua McFadden inside a silver Infiniti.
Police said during a conversation with McFadden, he got agitated and then fled the parking lot in his car. During his flight, officials said McFadden crashed into another car on W. Schuylkill Road. While running into the woods, the officer pursuing him said McFadden threatened to shoot him.
Officials said McFadden also briefly entered a home during the chase. After he left the home, an East Coventry police officer located him and left his car to chase him. Police said McFadden ran away, then looped back and entered the patrol car.
With McFadden behind the wheel, the officer in front of the car commanded him to exit. Police said McFadden revved the engine and drove forward slightly, and the officer shot him in the shoulder. The officer then tended to McFadden before taking him to the hospital.
The district attorney’s office said because the officer had reason to believe McFadden was driving at him in a stolen police cruiser with police firearms next to him, the shooting was justified.
McFadden is charged with assault, robbery of motor vehicle, burglary, and other offenses. He’s awaiting a preliminary hearing.
