Donald F. Ambrose, the Bensalem man who allegedly made threats at State Representative K.C. Tomlinson’s office last week, remains in custody today after prosecutors at the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office presented sufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing to move the case to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.
After hearing testimony from witnesses, Magisterial District Judge Joseph P. Falcone ordered Ambrose held for trial on one count of terroristic threats and two counts each of disorderly conduct and harassment, stemming from the June 9 incident at Rep. Tomlinson’s Bensalem office. Ambrose remains in custody at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
Bensalem Township Police said Ambrose entered the legislative office in the 2400 block of Bristol Road on Tuesday, June 9, aggressively shouting about an ongoing medical malpractice issue. Ambrose had been in the office several times before, making outlandish comments before leaving.
On this occasion, Ambrose became aggressive, grabbing paperwork off the desk of one of the employees and then scattering the papers while continuing to scream and yell. Ambrose was told by staff that law enforcement was being called, and he allegedly pointed at a staff member and stated, “you're dead,” before exiting the building, according to the criminal complaint.
Once outside, Ambrose retrieved a gasoline can from his vehicle and began walking around the perimeter of the office building, causing employees inside to fear he intended to set the building on fire. He was apprehended shortly thereafter at the Bensalem Township Police Department.
Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan strongly condemned these alleged offenses.
“There is absolutely no place for violence, intimidation, or threats against public officials and their staff,” DA Khan said. “Public servants should never have to fear for their safety simply for doing their jobs. My office takes these actions incredibly seriously, and we will continue to hold accountable anyone who uses fear or threats to disrupt our community and target those who serve the public.”
This matter has been investigated by the Bensalem Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Eugene Tsvilik.
Media Contact: Manuel Gamiz Jr., 215.348.6298, mgamiz@buckscounty.org
Criminal charges are allegations subject to proof in court. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
