Philadelphia Male Who Terrorized Buckingham Neighborhood Charged By Police
Dan Doyle Photo-Delaware Valley News.com
by Dan Doyle
A Philadelphia man is facing a slew of charges after a violent and chaotic incident in Buckingham Township over the weekend that culminated in a confrontation with a township police officer, who discharged his firearm after being threatened with a box cutter, police said.
William Francis Campbell, 50, was arraigned Tuesday morning from his hospital bed at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he remains under treatment for two gunshot wounds to the torso. Magisterial District Judge Maggie Snow set Campbell’s bail at $250,000, 10 percent, with conditions including no contact with victims, a mandatory mental health evaluation, and compliance with prescribed medications.
The charges stem from a disturbing episode that began around 3:36 p.m. Saturday, when Bucks County Emergency Communications received multiple reports of a violent crash and an armed man threatening residents in the 4800 block of Redfield Road.
According to police, Campbell had crashed a GMC Savana van into a parked pickup truck and trailer on private property after allegedly speeding, crossing into oncoming traffic, and jumping a curb. Contractors at the scene reported that Campbell exited the vehicle screaming he was the “angel of death,” wielding a metal chain and a blade-like tool, police said.
Campbell then reportedly approached residents and entered a garage uninvited, forcing the homeowners to retreat indoors. Multiple 911 callers described the man as “going crazy” and screaming religious and political rhetoric.
When a Buckingham Township police officer arrived on scene, he located Campbell in the passenger seat of the van. Campbell then exited the vehicle and began approaching the officer with a large metal chain draped over his shoulders and a box cutter in hand. After an initial attempt to use a Taser failed—Campbell reportedly pulled out the probe—the officer discharged his service weapon, striking Campbell three times.
Police immediately rendered aid before Campbell was airlifted to the hospital. Investigators recovered both the box cutter and the chain at the scene. Controlled substances were also found in Campbell’s discarded clothing.
The violent encounter is under investigation by the Bucks County Detectives, as per protocol in any officer-involved shooting. District Attorney Jennifer Schorn will review the findings and determine if further actions are warranted.
Campbell faces more than 20 criminal charges, including five counts of recklessly endangering another person, four counts each of terroristic threats, simple assault, and harassment, as well as multiple charges related to burglary, criminal trespassing, and drug possession.
Deputy District Attorney Megan Hunsicker is prosecuting the case.
Residents in the affected neighborhood continue to recover from the traumatic incident, which left many shaken. Authorities are encouraging anyone with further information or video evidence to contact the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
You can read our original coverage of this story here and here