Bucks man shot by officer identified as serial road-rage aggressor who threatened driver with a gun, according to police.

A recent incident in Bucks County has drawn attention due to the alarming actions of a suspect during a reported road rage episode. On Saturday evening, a couple was driving peacefully along Route 13 in Bensalem when they encountered a chaotic situation involving John Mathis, a 44-year-old man from Levittown. According to police reports, Mathis, perceiving a slight against him in the traffic flow, brandished a firearm and pointed it directly at the couple.

As tensions escalated, a responding Bensalem police officer intervened to protect the couple. Officer William McVey, the Bensalem Township Public Safety Director, noted that the officer had to position his patrol car between Mathis and the victims in an effort to diffuse the situation. Despite this attempt to de-escalate, Mathis remained uncooperative and refused to relinquish his weapon. In response to his refusal to follow commands, the officer discharged his firearm, hitting Mathis multiple times.

Following the shooting, Mathis was transported to Jefferson Torresdale Medical Center, where he was reported to be in stable condition. While he has not yet faced charges related to this particular incident, law enforcement officials indicated that he is expected to be prosecuted for his actions towards both the couple and the police officer. It is noteworthy that Mathis is prohibited from owning firearms due to prior felony convictions that include assault, conspiracy, and burglary. His history dates back to 2001, with multiple encounters involving police and road rage.

Moreover, prior to the incident on Saturday, Mathis faced new charges regarding a separate road rage incident that occurred on July 27 in Bristol. Following the charges, a county judge issued a bench warrant for his failure to appear regarding another related offense earlier in 2023.

As the investigation continues, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure in such cases. The district attorney’s office is currently reviewing the matter to determine the specifics surrounding the use of force. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the rising concerns regarding road rage and public safety in Bucks County. Communities are left to grapple with the implications of such violent encounters in an environment where tensions can escalate rapidly.

Local authorities are eager to ensure public safety while addressing the concerning patterns exhibited by individuals like Mathis, whose behavior has repeatedly endangered both motorists and law enforcement.