US EditionEx-Norristown Officer Charged After Striking Naked Man with Patrol Car: "Not a Necessary Use of Deadly Force"
Sergeant Daniel H. DeOrzio faces multiple assault charges after investigators found his use of deadly force was not justified in striking a naked man at a Norristown intersection.
- On Feb. 4, 2026, a Norristown police sergeant was charged after investigators say he used his patrol vehicle to strike a naked man, according to District Attorney Kevin R. Steele.
- Norristown officers responded at 8:04 a.m. Feb. 4 after reports of a naked man screaming and damaging cars at West Airy and Stanbridge streets, who then tried to open a police vehicle's doors.
- Following DeOrzio's radioed instruction, he accelerated his patrol vehicle and struck Rich, who was unarmed and standing with his hands on his hips, without warning.
- County protocol prompted an independent review by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced charges Tuesday; the case will be prosecuted by Edward F. McCann Jr. and Tanner Beck.
- The investigation concluded the response was not a necessary use of deadly force, and Justin Rich was released from Main Line Health Paoli Hospital on Feb. 6.
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16 Articles
Ex-Norristown Police Sergeant charged after police vehicle strikes naked man
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPHL) -- A now-former Norristown Police Sergeant is facing charges after a police vehicle hit a naked man in the middle of an intersection last week. Daniel DeOrzio, 52, turned himself in to Montgomery County Detectives on Tuesday morning. A statement from Norristown officials said DeOrzio submitted a letter of resignation on February [...]
Norristown police officer charged for striking naked man with his patrol vehicle
Sgt. Daniel DeOrzio, of the Norristown Police Department, has been charged with aggravated assault for striking a naked man with his patrol vehicle last Wednesday, prosecutors said.
Montgomery County authorities report that a police sergeant is facing charges after accelerating his vehicle and running over a naked man who was screaming and damaging vehicles.
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