William Schwager Jr. (Credit: Perkasie Borough Police)
A Bucks County man, currently free on $350,000 unsecured bail, accused of striking a woman with his pickup truck in Lenape Park in Perkasie Borough over the summer, had felony charges withdrawn at a recent preliminary hearing.
Now, William Schwager Jr., 76, who police said is transient around the borough with no fixed address, heads to Bucks County Common Pleas Court on two misdemeanors: reckless endangerment and simple assault.
According to Perkasie Borough Police, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Constitution Avenue around 8:25 p.m. Aug. 17, 2025 for a report of a woman screaming for help.
Officers found the victim lying face down near the passenger-side rear tire of a black 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, driven by Schwager, according to investigators.
Police said Schwager was standing nearby and urinating at the time of their arrival. He refused to render aid to the victim, police said.
The victim had visible injuries, including a bloody mouth and abrasions consistent with tire marks, police said. She told officers she had argued with Schwager moments before the incident.
After exiting the vehicle and moving toward the passenger-side rear door, Schwager allegedly put the truck in reverse, striking the victim and knocking her to the ground before continuing to back up. Police said the front passenger-side tire then ran over her body.
Police said the victim was taken to Grand View Hospital with an apparent broken pelvis, multiple abrasions, and contusions.
Investigation and witness account
Schwager allegedly admitted during interviews that he had argued with the victim and “got angry,” acknowledging that his vehicle struck her as he attempted to straighten into a parking space.
He denied intentionally hitting her, but gave conflicting explanations as to why he did not call police or emergency services after the incident, according to the affidavit. Police said he never inquired about the victim’s well-being.
A witness told investigators she observed the aftermath of the incident and saw the victim laying on the ground near the truck.
The victim reportedly reached out and pleaded, “Please help me. Please help me. This man, he’s trying to run me over," according to the complaint.
Police said Schwager appeared calm and unconcerned, looking through his vehicle’s contents while the witness called 911.
Court records show Schwager pleaded guilty in 1992 to indecent assault of a child without consent, corruption of a minor, and endangering the welfare of children. He was sentenced to 10 months to nearly two years in Bucks County jail.
Schwager's preliminary hearing was Nov. 25.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
