Urgent: 21-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder of Police Officers
UPDATE: A 21-year-old man is facing serious charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly injuring two police officers in a shocking incident in Plymouth Township. Dalton Lee Janiczek from Lower Gwynedd was arraigned on October 25, 2023, and is being held without bail, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident unfolded on October 24 when a Whitpain Township police sergeant attempted to pull over a white Mercedes G-Wagon observed speeding and driving recklessly around 11:56 a.m.. By 12:39 p.m., an officer from Plymouth Township arrived at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton at 640 Fountain Road to locate the vehicle. Upon spotting the G-Wagon, Janiczek allegedly reversed and struck the officer’s patrol vehicle multiple times.
According to police reports, “Janiczek accelerated directly at the officer, attempting to hit him,” prompting the officer to discharge his firearm. The situation escalated as Janiczek struck the officer, who fell to the ground while trying to apply a tourniquet to his leg wound. In a shocking turn, Janiczek allegedly circled back and struck the officer three more times as he lay incapacitated.
The chaos continued as Janiczek fled the scene, leading to a pursuit by multiple officers. He collided head-on with a stopped Plymouth patrol vehicle, injuring a second officer in the process. Law enforcement agencies converged on the area, quickly apprehending Janiczek, who was taken to Jefferson Abington Hospital for treatment of a head wound before being transported to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Eagleville.
Both injured officers were rushed to different hospitals. One officer underwent emergency surgery, but as of Saturday, both were reported to be in stable condition.
This case has caught the attention of the community, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, before Magisterial District Judge Jodi L. Griffis. The Montgomery County Detective Bureau is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting, following protocol for such serious incidents.
The charges against Janiczek include aggravated assault and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, highlighting the severe nature of this case. Officials urge the public to remain informed as more details emerge.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds, and share this urgent news with others who need to know.
