LOCK HAVEN — Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse has determined, following a review, that police were justified in a non-fatal shooting following a high speed chase that ended at Lykens Market in Beech Creek on Aug. 19, 2025.

According to a release via Crimewatch, Strouse’s review of the shooting, involving Brandon L. Bitner, 43, of Bald Eagle Township, included a review by himself and Clinton County detectives of body camera footage, surveillance footage from private businesses, motor vehicle recorder footage, investigative reports, witness statements and recorded footage.

The high speed chase began at Bitner’s residence before concluding at the local gas station in the borough.

According to the release, troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Lamar attempted to serve an active bench warrant on Bitner related to previously-existing charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement.

“In addition to having a history of violence toward law enforcement, Bitner has a history of serious mental illness. (He) was in violation of his pretrial bail conditions and had failed to appear to face his previous charges, resulting in the issuance of a bench warrant from the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas,” the release said.

As troopers approached the residence on foot, Bitner fired one shot from a pump-action shotgun in their vicinity, causing them to retreat for cover. They did not return fire, the release states.

Bitner then fled the residence in Bald Eagle Township in a black 2001 Honda Accord, traveling west on Eagle Valley Road toward Beech Creek.

“Troopers pursued Bitner in marked patrol vehicles with lights and sirens activated. (He) failed to yield or stop his vehicle and proceeded to flee at high rates of speed exceeding 90 miles per hour,” the release states. “Bitner continued to flee for approximately 4.5 miles before he exited the roadway and pulled into the parking lot at Lykens Market, 272 Main Street, Beech Creek Borough.”

According to the release, Bitner positioned his vehicle in the parking area that was located in the front of the store. He partially exited the vehicle after stopping, brandishing a shotgun and fired in the direction of the troopers who entered the parking lot at the rear of his vehicle.

At this time, troopers returned fire at Bitner, who was eventually struck by a single round in the arm, the release said.

“Bitner then threw himself on the ground next to his vehicle and abandoned his weapon. Troopers immediately ceased firing when (he) went to the ground, took him into custody and administered aid to his wound,” the release said, noting the wound was not life-threatening.

The release said, also located at the Lykens Market during the incident were several civilian witnesses located both inside and outside of the store.

“None of the civilians suffered injuries, although there was damage to both the store and structure,” the release said. “Witnesses confirmed that Bitner pulled into the parking lot at a high rate of speed and immediately began shooting at the troopers.”

The release noted witness accounts were consistent with the video footage of the incident obtained during the course of the investigation.

Bitner was charged with multiple counts of the following criminal offenses: attempted murder of law enforcement, a first degree felony; aggravated assault of law enforcement, a first degree felony; aggravated assault, a second degree felony; fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, a second degree felony; and recklessly endangering another person, a second degree misdemeanor.

“Bitner’s criminal cases have been stayed pending evaluation by a state hospital,” the release said.

“After a thorough review, District Attorney Dave Strouse has determined that the law enforcement officers were justified and acted reasonably under the circumstances when they fired their weapons at Bitner in defense of themselves and others, and therefore bear no criminal liability for their actions,” the release said.