Shots fired into homes during 2-vehicle theft in Bucks County
Shots fired as 2 vehicles are stolen in Bucks County neighborhood
A full-scale police investigation is underway in Bristol Township after suspects fired more than a dozen gunshots into residences and vehicles while stealing two automobiles—including a resident's brand-new pickup truck and another neighborhood car—early in the morning.
BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA. - Bristol Township police are investigating after suspects allegedly stole two vehicles and discharged multiple gunshots in a Croydon neighborhood early Friday morning.
Authorities stated in a press release on Monday that they believe the shooting on Colonial Drive is connected to an attempted burglary reported nearby approximately 20 minutes earlier.
Attempted burglary reported
Timeline:
According to police, an incident occurred at 3:57 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at a residence in Croydon. Surveillance video shows two individuals attempting to open a resident's garage door before departing. The homeowner reported that the individuals may have also gone through an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway prior to approaching the garage. No damage to the vehicle or residence was reported.
The resident contacted authorities nearly five hours later after reviewing home security footage, which showed at least one of the subjects carrying a handgun, according to authorities. Police noted the homeowner permitted the release of the footage to assist in identifying the suspects, while the specific address is being withheld for safety reasons.
Shots fired on Colonial Drive
At approximately 4:15 a.m., police responded to reports of gunfire and vehicle thefts on nearby Colonial Drive.
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Witnesses told police that several individuals arrived in the area in a single vehicle and proceeded to check door handles of parked cars. After an area resident confronted the masked individuals, the group dispersed briefly before returning and firing an estimated 10 to 13 rounds toward the resident's home and vehicle, according to authorities.
Bullets also reportedly struck a neighboring parked SUV and at least two adjacent homes. No injuries were reported.
Police said the suspects fled the scene in two stolen vehicles: a newly purchased pickup truck and another neighborhood car.
Ongoing investigation
Dig deeper:
Investigators stated the individuals may be associated with a larger regional vehicle theft ring on Monday. Officials noted that while opportunistic vehicle thefts have been documented in the area, the possession and discharge of firearms significantly elevates the public safety risk.
Safety guidance
What you can do:
Police advise residents not to approach or confront suspicious individuals and to treat the suspects as armed and dangerous. Authorities urge the public to ensure homes and vehicles are locked and to report suspicious activity by calling 911 immediately.
Callers are encouraged to provide dispatchers with detailed descriptions of suspects and vehicles, exact locations, direction of travel and nearest cross streets, as well as retain any relevant security camera footage for investigators.
The Source: Information sourced from the Bristol Township Police Department and FOX 29 reporting.