District Attorney John Adams of Berks County, Pennsylvania has ruled that the July death of a man killed by a bulldozer while being pursued by police was accidental. The district attorney also found that the police officers involved in the incident had acted reasonably in their pursuit of Gregory Longenecker.
“On August 24, 2018, The Berks County Deputy Coroner issued the final death certificate, ruling the death an accidental death,” Adams said. “I recognize the sanctity of life above all values. It is very unfortunate that a life was lost and our condolences go out to the Longenecker family. However, I support the actions of the Pennsylvania state police. Their efforts were reasonable and conducted in a safe manner in this situation.”
Pursuit By Bulldozer
In July of this year, a state game worker reported to police that a suspicious vehicle was parked on land owned by the state. When police arrived, David Brooks Light, 54, of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania surrendered to officers but Longenecker, 51, of Reading ran away.
After discovering 10 cannabis plants being grown on the property, police initiated a search for Longenecker with a helicopter and a bulldozer being driven through heavy brush by a state game worker. A state trooper was also riding on the bulldozer. After calling off the search for Longenecker, police found his crushed body in the tracks of the bulldozer.
District Attorney Adams also said that the police officers involved had no responsibility for Longenecker’s death and that no charges would be filed against them.
Activists React
Jeff Reidy, the Executive Director of Lehigh Valley NORML, said that Longenecker’s death is indicative of the stigma still attached to cannabis in the United States.
“Today’s disappointing ruling exemplifies once again that some within the criminal