HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Harrisburg man wounded in a police-involved shooting on June 22 was attempting "suicide by cop," according to Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, who announced his findings in a press statement on Tuesday.
Bryan K. Horton Jr., 39, was struck multiple times by gunfire in the incident, which occurred around 4:44 p.m. in the area of 19th and Derry streets in the city, authorities said.
Four police officers were involved in the incident, according to Chardo.
Horton allegedly told hospital personnel after the shooting that he "intentionally pretended to have a gun so that police would shoot him," Chardo said in his announcement. "He said that he did this so that he would not have to go back to jail."
After investigating the incident, Chardo determined the officers were justified in using deadly force against Horton under Chapter 5 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, which allows police to use force in self-defense.
According to Chardo, Horton made several aggressive movements designed to indicate he had a gun and intended to use it.
Police were attempting to arrest Horton on felony charges. Horton, who was sitting in his vehicle, allegedly refused to comply with the officers' orders. He then made a movement with his hand toward his waist and then made a sudden movement toward the officers with a black object in his hand, simulating a gun, according to Chardo.
Believing that Horton had a gun, the officers opened fire, striking Horton in the neck, arms, buttocks, and leg.
The officers then immediately rendered aid, saving Horton's life, Chardo said. He was taken to a hospital for additional treatment and later released.
Horton is now being held on new felony charges and a federal detainer, Chardo said.
Horton previously served a lengthy federal sentence for cocaine distribution and was released from prison on August 26, 2022, according to Chardo.
Chardo said he refined his review in such cases to whether criminal charges should be brought against the officers. He does not review whether the officers' conduct conformed with departmental policy or whether there may be non-criminal liability.
