Police in suburban Philadelphia shot and killed a man yesterday who made threats against them online and attempted to run officers over with his car.
NBC Philadelphia reports that police in Clifton Heights, Pa. and Haverford, Pa. traveled to Joseph Pacini's home in Clifton Heights with a regional SWAT team yesterday afternoon. The 52-year-old had been charged with making terroristic threats on Sunday, and police were on hand to serve him a warrant. After following him to a home in Drexel Hill, he was ordered to exit his vehicle. Chaos ensued when he refused:
He was eventually stopped by Clifton Heights, Upper Darby and Haverford Police officers at Garrett Road and Shadeland Avenue. After officers told him to get out of the car, Pacini allegedly put his car in reverse and accelerated, slamming into the vehicle of the Clifton Heights Police chief.
Pacini then allegedly tried to run over other officers with his vehicle. Five of the officers took out their weapons and opened fire, striking him several times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were hurt during the ordeal.
Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood told NBC Philadelphia that Pacini was not armed at the time of his death, and may have suffered from mental illness. Carmine Pettine, Chief of the Haverford Police Department, said that Pacini made terroristic threats at an LA Fitness on Sunday. Although they referenced police, they were not directed at a specific target.
NBC Philadelphia adds that Pacini posted videos to YouTube on Monday and Tuesday claiming that he had been falsely accused.
[via NBC Philadelphia]
