LOCK HAVEN – Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse has completed his review of the Officer Involved shooting (OIS) of Brandon L. BITNER, 43, of Bald Eagle Township, Clinton County, involving a high-speed pursuit beginning at BITNER’s residence, and concluding at Lykens Market, Beech Creek Borough, Clinton County on August 19, 2025.  As part of this review, DA Strouse and the Clinton County Detectives have reviewed body camera footage, surveillance footage from private businesses, motor vehicle recorder footage, investigative reports, witness statements and recorded interview footage.

Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) 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. BITNER 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.  As Troopers approached the residence on foot, BITNER fired one (1) shot from a pump-action shotgun in the vicinity of the Troopers.  Troopers retreated to cover following the gunshot and did not return fire at that time.

BITNER then fled the residence 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.

BITNER failed to yield or stop his vehicle and proceeded to flee at high rated of speed exceeding ninety (90) miles per hour.

BITNER continued to flee for approximately 4.5 miles before he exited the roadway and pulled into the parking lot at Lykens Market at 272 Main Street, Beech Creek Borough, Clinton County Pennsylvania. BITNER positioned his vehicle in the parking area that was located to the immediate front of the store.  Upon stopping his vehicle, BITNER partially exited his vehicle, brandished a shotgun and began to fire in the direction of the Troopers who had entered the parking lot to the rear of his vehicle.  

Troopers returned fire at BITNER, and BITNER was eventually struck by a single round in the arm.  BITNER then threw himself on the ground next to his vehicle and abandoned his weapon.  Troopers immediately ceased firing when BITNER went to the ground, took him into custody and administered aid to his wound.  BITNER’s wound was not life-threatening.

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.

Witnesses confirmed that BITNER pulled into the parking lot at a high rate of speed and immediately began shooting at the Troopers.  The 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 (F1); Aggravated Assault of Law Enforcement (F1); Aggravated Assault (F2); Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (F3); and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2). 

BITNER’s criminal cases have been stayed pending evaluation by a State Hospital.

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.

A copy of District Attorney Strouse’s determination letter to Captain Travis Doebler of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F is also attached.