An active U.S. Army platoon leader from Doylestown is accused of violently assaulting a Central Bucks Regional Police officer who was attempting to break up a street fight in the early morning hours of Dec. 27, while investigators continued to seek the identity of a second suspect seen on scene.
Thomas Angel Rowe, 21, is charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault, misdemeanor counts of assault, resisting arrest, and two disorderly conduct charges, and summary counts of harassment and public drunkenness, according to court records.
According to police, officers were dispatched around 12:13 a.m. to a reported fight in progress between two males on North Main Street in Doylestown Borough. When an officer arrived and attempted to separate the individuals, one unidentified male was pushed away toward the corner of a building. At that point, police said, Rowe attacked the officer from behind, striking him in the head.
Police alleged the officer grabbed Rowe by the waist and both fell to the ground, where Rowe ignored repeated commands to stop fighting. Authorities said Rowe punched the officer several times in the head and slammed the officer’s head into the icy pavement.
Police further alleged Rowe continued resisting and bit the officer on the arm as members of a crowd yelled that he was fighting a police officer and needed to stop.
Investigators said multiple bystanders recorded the attack on their cell phones but did not attempt to intervene or render aid to the officer.
Rowe allegedly continued resisting arrest and ignored commands from additional officers who arrived to assist. He was eventually taken into custody and identified as an active platoon leader in the U.S. Army, police said.
Rowe was arraigned and bail was set at 10 percent of $75,000. He was remanded to Bucks County Prison, according to police. Another individual involved in the incident was cited for summary offenses and released at the scene.
Police said a third individual involved in the incident is still being sought. Investigators are requesting the public’s help identifying a white male wearing a plaid shirt who is wanted for questioning in connection with the aggravated assault on the officer.
Police also asked bystanders who recorded the incident to submit any cell phone video, noting tips and video submissions may be made anonymously.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
