Cops In Caln Shooting Reacted Properly, Chief Says

CALN, PA — Caln Township Police Chief Joseph G. Elias said Tuesday that his officers reacted properly when shooting a man in the leg because he had threatened to shoot them after crashing into a police vehicle in a stolen car on Feb. 22.

“It is my decision that the Caln Township police officers involved in this event used the appropriate level of force, consistent with department policies and procedures,” the chief said.

“We are extremely fortunate that the officers involved were not seriously injured, and that no members of the public were harmed throughout the incident.”

The chief's decision was reached after an internal investigation and an investigation by Chester County District Attorney Meg Ryan’s county detectives.

Richard Luminello, 56, of Philadelphia, was shot in the leg and tasered at Shelburne Road and Stockley Lane in Caln Township.

He is accused of stealing two cars, driving a car into a police vehicle, and threatening to shoot two officers.

Police said Luminello turned to the officers and reached his hand behind his back while pointing at the officers, stating, “I’ll shoot” from about 10 feet away.

Luminello is in Chester County Prison without bail awaiting a preliminary hearing on attempted murder and related charges. The hearing is scheduled for later this month.