Bensalem Township officers were found justified in using lethal force during a January incident involving Zachiry Derrek Kerschner. The incident began as a routine traffic stop and led to a 35-minute chase through multiple jurisdictions before ending in a two-hour standoff near Route 1 and Old Lincoln Highway. Schorn stated in a letter that Kerschner, who was armed, was fatally shot after allegedly pointing a firearm at officers, according to the Bucks County.
On January 24, Zachiry Derrek Kerschner, 30, was shot and killed by police during a standoff. Authorities said Kerschner refused to surrender and stated he would not return to jail. An investigation found that he pointed a gun at a passenger in the vehicle and ordered him to stay inside. In a letter to Bensalem Township Police Director of Public Safety William McVey, District Attorney Schorn stated, "I therefore conclude that [the officers] were justified in discharging their weapons and fatally shooting Zachiry Derrek Kerschner,” as reported by the Bucks County.
No officers were injured, and the passenger was unharmed following the standoff and shooting of Kerschner. The case remains closed after the District Attorney's office ruled that the officers acted lawfully. Further inquiries into procedures may continue. The full statement is available on Bucks County's official website.
