WEST CHESTER, PA — A Pottstown man is facing multiple felony charges after Chester County authorities allege he stole a marked East Coventry Township police vehicle and attempted to strike an officer, prompting the officer to fire a single shot during the confrontation.
According to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, 40-year-old Joshua McFadden has been charged with aggravated assault, robbery of a motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, burglary, possession of methamphetamine and related offenses following the June 22 incident. McFadden’s arraignment had not concluded when the announcement was issued.
The district attorney’s office also announced it has completed an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting and determined the officer’s use of deadly force was legally justified under Pennsylvania law. Chester County Detectives conducted the review in accordance with the office’s policy for investigating officer-involved shootings. Investigators examined body-worn camera and mobile video footage, interviewed officers and civilian witnesses, and reviewed forensic, ballistic and physical evidence collected during the investigation.
According to investigators, the incident began the afternoon of June 22 when North Coventry Township police responded to a Lowe’s Home Improvement store to investigate a prior retail theft. Police reported that McFadden fled the parking lot at a high rate of speed after speaking briefly with officers.
Authorities allege McFadden later crashed into another vehicle on Route 724, fled the crash scene on foot and entered nearby woods. During an attempted apprehension, investigators say McFadden allegedly threatened to shoot a North Coventry police officer before escaping into a nearby residential neighborhood.
The investigation found that at approximately 6:50 p.m., an East Coventry police officer spotted McFadden on foot and attempted to stop him. According to investigators, McFadden allegedly ran to the officer’s marked patrol vehicle, entered it and attempted to steal it while the officer pursued him on foot.
Investigators determined the officer was positioned in front of the patrol vehicle when McFadden allegedly shifted the vehicle into drive, revved the engine and caused it to move forward. The district attorney’s office concluded the officer reasonably believed he faced an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury and fired one round, striking McFadden in the shoulder. Police reported officers immediately rendered aid after determining McFadden no longer posed a threat.
According to the district attorney’s findings, investigators concluded the officer’s actions were justified because McFadden had allegedly threatened to shoot law enforcement earlier that day, was attempting to steal a marked patrol vehicle, advanced it toward the officer and had immediate access to firearms stored inside the police vehicle. McFadden was treated at a local hospital before being released into police custody, investigators reported.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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