An Upper Pottsgrove Township police officer is facing a criminal charge after fatally shooting a 22-year-old college student who mistakenly went to the wrong home, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Cpl. Sean Farrell, 58, was charged with voluntary manslaughter following an investigation into the Aug. 23 incident, as reported by 6ABC. Farrell turned himself in to Montgomery County detectives on Tuesday.
Upper Pottsgrove Officer Charged in Fatal Shooting
The victim, Glenwood “Bubba” Pysher IV, had been out celebrating a friend’s 21st birthday Fox News. Investigators stated that after being driven to a friend’s house, Pysher decided to walk to another friend’s house about a half-mile away. Pysher took a wrong turn, went to the wrong residence on Snyder Road (also referred to in reports as Snyder Avenue), and began banging on the back door 6ABC. The homeowners, unaware of the mistake, called 911 to report a possible break-in just after midnight on Sunday, August 23 Fox News.
Body Camera Footage and District Attorney’s Findings
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele detailed the sequence of events during a news conference, supported by body-worn camera footage from the responding officers 6ABC. Cpl. Farrell was the first officer to arrive, approaching the scene with his service weapon drawn, using its mounted light, and positioning himself behind a parked red car 6ABC.
According to the district attorney’s office, camera video shows Pysher—who was unarmed—with his hands raised in the air as he slowly walked toward Farrell <a href="”>FOX 29 Philadelphia. Farrell commanded Pysher to drop to the ground 6ABC. As Pysher continued walking forward, Farrell yelled, "Stop, or I’ll…" and fired his weapon twice before finishing his sentence 6ABC. Pysher fell about 17 to 20 feet away from the officer 6ABC.
Steele stated that video evidence contradicted claims made by Farrell immediately following the shooting. When backup arrived, Farrell was recorded on body camera claiming that Pysher was screaming and charging at him 6ABC. However, Steele noted that the video showed Pysher was not charging, yelling, or acting aggressively, and did not pose a threat 6ABC.
Legal Justification and Available Options
District Attorney Steele evaluated the shooting under Pennsylvania law, concluding that the use of lethal force was not justified 6ABC. Steele emphasized that Farrell maintained a safe distance behind a car, Pysher was unarmed with his hands up, and the victim was not committing a forcible felony or trying to escape 6ABC.
Furthermore, investigators pointed out that Farrell had non-lethal alternatives available on his utility belt that he chose not to employ, including a Taser and an expandable baton 6ABC. Following the incident, the Upper Pottsgrove Police Department placed Farrell on administrative leave Fox News.
Victim Background and Legal Proceedings
Glenwood Pysher was a college baseball player who had attended Francis Marion University, Northampton Community College, and Holy Family University, and was preparing to begin his senior year at St. Elizabeth University in New Jersey, where he was studying to become a history teacher Fox News.
Following his surrender, Farrell’s bail was set at 10% of $75,000, and he was ordered to surrender all of his weapons to the Pennsylvania State Police prior to his release 6ABC. An arraignment and preliminary hearing schedule were set following his court appearance phillyvoice.com.
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