Violent Domestic Assault and Stabbing

Case 18-008685

On Sunday March 4th at approximately 2:20 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of Jenkintown Road for a report of a violent domestic assault in which a woman had been stabbed several times.  Montgomery County emergency dispatchers further advised responding officers that the suspect was still in the home with the possibility of additional victims, including children.  Upon arrival, the sergeant and his officers immediately forced entry through the front door of the home.  Once inside, officers immediately encountered a male, who refused to comply with repeated verbal commands to show his hands.  The suspect stood over the female victim, who was lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds.  As the officers approached the suspect, he pulled out what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. Subsequently, one of the officers discharged his weapon, striking the suspect.  A team of officers immediately rescued the woman, while other officers began to render first aid to the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims were transported to Abington Jefferson Hospital, where they were treated for injuries including lacerations, puncture wounds to the neck and torso, a punctured lung, and a broken arm.  The children who were on location were not physically harmed. Investigation revealed that the suspect had an extensive criminal history to include assaults and resisting arrest.

As is protocol with all police-involved shootings, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office conducted an independent investigation. Per Department policy, the names of the officers are not being released, and they will be on administrative leave until the initial investigation is complete. (Officers were cleared by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office on March 22, 2018- Please click here for the Press Release from District Attorney Kevin Steele)

There is no doubt that the officers’ quick and decisive actions prevented further injuries and saved the lives of innocent victims. On behalf of all the men and women of the Abington Township Police Department, I want to thank the community for their outpouring of support for the victims and all who were involved in this very traumatic incident.  I would also like to thank District Attorney Kevin Steele and the Montgomery County Detectives, Chief John Frye and the Cheltenham Police Department, and Chief Albert DiValentino and the Jenkintown Police Department for their support on the day of the event and throughout the investigation.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and all involved in this extremely traumatic event.  Please keep all of those involved in your thoughts and prayers.

Note:  CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY

Approved for release by:
Chief Patrick Molloy

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