Upper Darby man with knife killed in police shooting:
UPPER DARBY >> A 54-year-old township man was shot and killed by police after lunging towards them with a knife, authorities said.
The incident occurred approximately 6:30 p.m. Tuesday outside M building of the Bishop Hill Apartments, with access from Bishop Avenue and Oak Lane, in the Primos-Secane section of the township.
“There was an initial call to 911 from the man saying he had a knife, was going to kill himself and I’m dangerous,” Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said. “Three officers arrived in two cars and they were confronted in the parking lot of M building.
“They told him to drop the knife and he refused to drop the knife and started coming towards them. One officer fires the Tazer and he keeps on coming. Two of the officers fired at him. Initially I heard that four shots were fired. They killed him. This is all preliminary.”
Chitwood said he believes the man has some mental health issues.
“Apparently he called his estranged brother before calling 911,” Chitwood said. “This looks like suicide by cop. Right now we’re doing the investigation. The protocol is to call the District Attorney.”
Last night the three officers involved were transported to the police station and their guns secured.
“They felt threatened for their lives,” Chitwood said. “The Tazer didn’t stop the guy.”
The victim lived in the apartment complex in M building with his wife. Police estimated her to be in her 50s.
Police did not release the name of the victim, who was Caucasian, or any other additional information.