Newtown Officers Commended For Handling Man With Knife, Burglary

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Several Newtown Township police officers were commended during a meeting Wednesday night, including two who "responded swiftly" to a situation at Society Place involving a man armed with a large knife.

In total, four Newtown Township Police Officers received Commendations of Merit Wednesday.

Thomas Rawa and Jules Ferraro received Commendations of Merit for their "exceptional actions" in October. The pair responded to a domestic disturbance in the Society Place complex that involved an 18-year old who was armed with a large kitchen knife.

When Ferraro and Rawa arrived, they found the armed man outside in the parking lot area. He appeared emotionally unstable, according to information from police.

The officers "responded swiftly, immediately recognizing the mental health issues involved, and were able to diffuse the situation," township police said. The situation was peacefully resolved without injury. The man received the appropriate treatment following the incident, authorities said.

"This is an outstanding example of the deescalation techniques used frequently by police at violent situations, which reinforces our desire of and commitment to life preservation and protection of the community," township police said in an announcement.

Corporal Paul Deppi and Officer Brandon Turpyn also received Commendations of Merit for actions in October, when they investigated a burglary at the Pickering Manor construction site.

In conjunction with Newtown Borough Police Officer Steven Szerlag, the officers "greatly contributed to the successful communication of information, scene preservation, and subsequent arrest," police said.

Brent Leone of Bensalem was charged with burglary and related offenses in connection with the incident. Leone was also subsequently found responsible for several additional thefts and burglaries in the area which were under investigation, police said.

Szerlag received a Letter of Commendation from the Newtown Township Police Department.

"This is an outstanding example of the ongoing cooperation and partnership we share with our counterparts to protect our communities," the department said.