Overview
- Sgt. Daniel DeOrzio, 52, faces counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, official oppression and reckless endangerment, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele.
- The Feb. 4 encounter at West Airy and Stanbridge streets involved Justin Rich, who was naked, unarmed and standing with his hands on his hips when he was struck by the patrol SUV.
- Investigators say DeOrzio accelerated after a truck was moved from in front of his vehicle, gave no verbal commands and used no de-escalation or less-lethal options before impact.
- A charging document describes the act as intentional and forceful enough to launch Rich into the air, characterizing the maneuver as an unnecessary use of deadly force.
- DeOrzio surrendered and was arraigned with bail set at $100,000, is on administrative leave, has a preliminary hearing on Feb. 19, and submitted a resignation letter before turning himself in, according to local reports.