HANOVER — On Wednesday, May 21, at approximately 5:26 p.m., Hanover Township Police responded to a motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles in the parking lot of a gas station on Ridgedale Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers immediately began assisting the occupants of the vehicles. While rendering aid, officers observed one of the drivers acting suspiciously outside his vehicle. As officers engaged him, the individual became erratic and stated he wanted to die. He was found to be in possession of a pair of scissors, refused to comply with officers’ commands, and repeatedly asked officers to shoot him.
Officers quickly moved bystanders to safety and attempted to de-escalate the situation. Pepper spray was deployed, and the individual was safely subdued without further incident. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
A child in one of the vehicles sustained a moderate injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Another child from the same vehicle was transported as a precaution. Other occupants were evaluated at the scene but declined medical attention.
Both vehicles in the crash sustained heavy damage, though the gas pumps were unaffected. The incident prompted a significant response from police, fire, and EMS personnel. The gas station parking lot was temporarily closed but has since reopened.
The incident remains under investigation.
