Man Who Drove Stolen Car Into Police Vehicle In Caln Is Behind Bars

CALN, PA— A Philadelphia man who police said drove a stolen car into a police vehicle, ending in an officer-involved shooting is in Chester County Prison without bail on attempted murder.

Richard Luminello, 56, is accused of stealing two vehicles, crashing into a police vehicle, and threatening to shoot four police officers early Wednesday morning. One officer fired back, shooting Luminello in the leg, police said.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said Thursday that Luminello had no regard for human life as he intentionally crashed into a police vehicle at a high rate of speed.

"It is miraculous that the officer was not injured, but had he been inside his patrol car he would not have been so lucky," Ryan said.

Luminello was treated and released from Paoli Hospital for a gunshot wound to the leg and an elbow fracture. He was immediately taken into custody by Caln Township police officers.

Luminello was arraigned Wednesday night before District Judge Scott Masey on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, fleeing police, and related charges.

According to officials, at 1:45 a.m., police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the parking lot at Wawa in Downingtown.

When they arrived, the suspect got out of one stolen vehicle and into another vehicle at the Wawa before fleeing into a residential neighborhood, police said.

An officer was preparing to place spiked strips on the road to disable the suspect’s car at Westerham and Shelbourne roads, but the suspect crashed into the officer’s vehicle, hard enough to force the car back 40 yards and cover the officer in debris.

Police said the suspect then turned to the other officers and reached his hand behind his back while pointing at the officers, stating, “I’ll shoot.”

An officer shot the suspect in the leg and another officer used a taser on the suspect, who was then arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chester County detectives at 610-344-6866.