Bucks County police chief hit by shotgun blast; in good condition

YARDLEY — Authorities say a suburban Philadelphia borough police chief was shot while assisting parole officers on a visit to a condominium unit, but he was reported in good condition.

Lower Makefield Police Chief Ken Coluzzi told reporters Wednesday that Chief Joseph Kelly III of the Yardley police department was hit by a shotgun blast that injured a hand and ear shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Yardley Commons complex.

The YBPD confirm that Chief Kelly was shot in the line of duty. The Chief is conscious and doing well. We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time.

— Yardley Borough PD (@YardleyPD) August 18, 2021

He was taken to a hospital and SWAT officers surrounded the complex as authorities tried to negotiate with the suspect, who was taken into custody several hours later. Yardley police told Yardley Commons residents to remain in their units during the standoff and urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.

#BREAKING: @ADAWeintraub : the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Yardley Police Chief Joseph Kelly is recovering —in good condition— after he was shot in ear and hand by this suspect. @FOX29philly

— jennifer joyce (@JenniJoyceTV) August 18, 2021

Coluzzi said Kelley was in good condition at St. Mary Medical Center and was “extremely lucky to be alive.” He said the suspect is known to police due to recent incidents and is believed to have other weapons, but “time is on our side” and authorities hoped to resolve the situation without further harm.

Coluzzi said the chief was at the complex to help Bucks County parole officers who had gone to check on the suspect and who called for assistance after a domestic situation ensued. SWAT officers were able to get the person’s mother out of the residence, he said.