Woman Killed In Traffic Stop, Driver From Devon Charged: Police

RADNOR, PA — A Newtown Township police officer who was pinned between his cruiser and a suspect’s car as the suspect tried to flee shot and killed a 28-year-old female passenger and wounded the driver “in defense of his life.”

The driver, Jerry D. Long, 27, of Devon, was later arraigned before District Judge Walter Stroh on charges of aggravated assault of a police officer, fleeing a police officer, driving with a suspended license and related offenses. Bail was set at $1 million.

The arresting complaint identified the police victim as Officer Joseph Yokum of the Newtown police department in Delaware County..

The 28-year-old female was pronounced dead at the scene in the 800 block of Bryn Mawr Avenue, Radnor Township. She was not identified in the arrest papers.

Long was struck several times and taken to Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, where he is in stable condition.

The police officer was taken to Bryn Mawr Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.

According to a statement from Newtown police and the arresting documents:

At 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, Newtown police attempted to stop a suspicious white Nissan at Brookside and Ashley roads.

The suspect's vehicle initially stopped, but then fled, striking two police vehicles "numerous times." The suspect's vehicle later stopped in the 800 block of Bryn Mawr Avenue in Radnor Township.

After the officer got out of his car, the driver then accelerated, pinning the officer between his cruiser and the Nissan.

Police said the officer fired at the vehicle in defense of his life. He had to climb onto the two cars to free himself.

Long had warrants pending for a probation violation and possessing marijuana. His driver's license was also suspended.

A special investigations unit of the Delaware County District Attorney’s office is investigating the shooting.