Shooting In Northampton Was Self-Defense, Husband Charged With Assault: Police

NORTHAMPTON, PA — The off-duty Philadelphia police officer who shot her husband on April 18 at their Northampton Township home was acting in self defense and will not be charged, officials with the Bucks County District Attorney's office announced Wednesday.

Authorities say Caren Perez shot her husband, David Perez, once on April 18 as he was physically attacking her. David Perez, who was struck once in the abdomen, has been charged with stalking and simple assault.

According to information from the Bucks County District Attorney's office, Caren Perez had been "repeatedly" threatened and physically assaulted by her husband.

"After a thorough investigation by detectives from the Northampton Township Police Department and the Bucks County Detectives Bureau, it was determined that Ms. Perez fired her weapon only after being assaulted yet again, and only after she reasonably concluded that her life was in immediate danger. As such, she is not charged in this incident," authorities say.

David Perez has also been charged with simple assault stemming from a 2015 incident at the couple’s former home in Philadelphia. Authorities say in that assault he "repeatedly" punched his wife with a closed fist in the chest and face, causing cuts and bruises to her head and face.

He was taken into custody Wednesday. He was arraigned via videoconference by Magisterial District Judge William J. Benz, who set bail at $75,000 unsecured.

Among the bail conditions are that David Perez possess no handguns and that he have no contact with Caren Perez.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 11 before Judge Benz in Richboro.