Soldier Charged In Aggravated Assault On Police Officer In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — A U.S. Army platoon leader is facing multiple felony charges after assaulting a police officer who was trying to break up a fight on North Main Street.

Just after midnight on Dec. 27, the Central Bucks Regional Police Department responded to a fight in progress between two men on North Main Street in Doylestown Borough.

Police said when an officer attempted to break up the fight and separate the individuals, he was attacked from behind by Thomas Angel Rowe, 21, of Doylestown, who struck the officer in the head.

Police said the officer grabbed Rowe by the waist, and both fell to the ground.

Ignoring the officer’s command to stop fighting, Rowe punched the officer several times in the head and slammed the officer’s head onto the pavement, police said.

According to police, Rowe continued fighting, biting the officer on the arm as a crowd of people yelled at Rowe that he was fighting a cop and to stop. Police said other bystanders recorded the attack on their cell phones, rendering no aid to the officer or attempting to intervene.

Rowe continued to resist arrest and ignored the commands of additional officers who had arrived on the scene. He was eventually taken into custody by police.

Rowe was arraigned, bail was set at 10 percent of $75,000, and he was remanded to Bucks County Prison. Another individual involved in the incident was cited for summary offenses and released. A third individual is being sought by police for questioning.

Rowe is facing two felony aggravated assault charges. He has also been charged with resisting arrest, simple assault, disorderly conduct (engaging in fighting), disorderly hazardous conduct, two counts of harassment, and public drunkenness.