WEST CHESTER — The Chester County District Attorney's Office announced the arrest of Pennsylvania State Trooper David Levy, 36, on charges of official oppression, recklessly endangering another person, possessing an instrument of crime, and simple assault.
On Dec. 28, 2022, while off duty, Trooper Levy allegedly forced another vehicle off the road and stopped vehicles near the entrance of Longwood Gardens after driving recklessly on Route 1 in Kennett Township, according to the DA's office.
Witnesses said they heard a gunshot and observed Trooper Levy approach another car with his gun drawn shouting commands while purporting to act in an official capacity, the DA said in a release.
Trooper Levy served as a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper since February 2021 and was stationed at Troop K-Media Barracks. He is currently suspended without pay pending the outcome of the charges.
"No one is above the law," Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said. "We hold law enforcement to the highest standards, and the defendant betrayed his sworn oath by endangering all those on the road with his reckless conduct. After he dangerously forced a car off the road, he used his badge and his gun to frighten and intimidate a family on their way to see the holiday lights at Longwood Gardens. We will never tolerate this criminal behavior, especially from law enforcement."
The allegations in the complaint released by the DA's office are as follows:
On Dec. 28, 2022, at 5:56 p.m., a 911 caller reported a road rage incident that occurred in the area of Longwood Gardens in Kennett Township. Police interviewed the reporting party and learned that while the family was driving southbound on Route 1 toward Longwood Gardens, they encountered an aggressive driver, who was later identified as David Levy. They stated that Levy forced them off the road, ultimately forced them to stop and angrily approached them with a gun. They also stated they heard a gunshot during the incident.
They explained that the interaction began with the defendant braking abruptly in front of them as they were trying to pass a slow-moving vehicle. When they passed the defendant, he aggressively responded by trying to pass them on the right shoulder, at which point he almost hit a tow truck. Trooper Levy then intentionally drove into their lane of travel to force them off the roadway, off the shoulder and into the grass toward a road sign, concrete curb, and an embankment. The victims were able to avoid a collision by passing another vehicle in the right lane.
The victims drove their vehicle onto the Route 1 exit ramp into Longwood Gardens, and Trooper Levy followed them. He drove his vehicle onto the grass on the left side of the ramp, passing the line of traffic, and then partially blocked the lane of other cars.
Trooper Levy then activated his four-way flashers on his car and a gunshot was heard. He was seen exiting his car with a gun in his hand as he walked toward the victims' car. Trooper Levy screamed at the victims, accusing them of cutting him off in traffic, and identified himself as a state trooper multiple times. He ordered them to stop and turn off their car.
When one of the passengers screamed that she was calling the police and that there was a dash camera in their car, the defendant immediately got into his vehicle and left the scene. Most of this incident was recorded on the victims' video recording system.
On Dec. 30, 2022, police searched the defendant's car and found a bullet hole in the dash of the car. A 9-millimeter Luger shell casing was found in the center console. Police later learned that earlier on the night of the incident the defendant had been drinking alcohol at a bar in Aston Township, Delaware County.
Bail was set at $20,000, and a preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 8.
(c)2023 Daily Local News, West Chester, Pa.
First Published January 21, 2023, 1:48pm
