Pottstown Officer Shot During Car Crash Response, Suspect in Custody

POTTSTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A police officer was shot on Sunday evening while responding to a car crash in Pottstown, leading to a tense standoff and a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

The incident unfolded around 5:06 p.m. when Pottstown police arrived at the intersection of Beech Street and North Mount Vernon Street to investigate a two-car crash. According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, as officers approached, one of the occupants of the involved vehicles attempted to grab a firearm from inside his car.

“u2026he attempted to reach for a firearm in the vehicle,” Steele stated, describing the chaotic scene. “A struggle ensued between the officers and the suspect.” The individual, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, fled on foot to his residence on Winding Road, pursued by the officers.

As the suspect reached his home, he allegedly fired at the pursuing officers, striking one officer in the shoulder. The officer was quickly transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

In a statement issued by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, it was confirmed that following the shooting, officers returned fire but did not strike the suspect. A significant police presence was established as officers and a SWAT team surrounded the suspect’s house.

Residents in the immediate vicinity were ordered to shelter in place while authorities worked to resolve the incident. A local woman, who lives near the suspect, expressed her shock, stating, “It’s really scary… especially when he shows up to your house like right before all this, and he has a gun on his waistband.”

After several tense hours, officials reported that someone had been detained around 10:30 p.m., but it remains unclear if this person is the suspect who allegedly shot the officer. Shortly thereafter, at 10:45 p.m., authorities lifted the shelter-in-place order.

As of now, Montgomery County officials have not provided further details on the charges pending against the individual in custody or any additional developments in the investigation. More information is expected to be released as the situation unfolds.