A troubling incident unfolded in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where security footage from a shopping center captured Manheim Township Police Chief Dwayne Fisher pulling a gun on a 24-year-old motorcyclist. The footage, released recently, directly contradicts earlier police reports, leading to a drop in criminal charges against the motorcyclist, Benny Pena Rivera. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with the police chief now placed on paid administrative leave as an internal investigation is launched.
Conflicting Accounts Between Police and Motorcyclist
On April 30th, the day of the incident, Pena Rivera was riding his motorcycle to his job at Wing Stop when he briefly saw Chief Fisher at a traffic light. According to Pena Rivera, their interaction at that moment was completely normal, with Fisher waving at him in a friendly manner. However, the encounter took a sharp and disturbing turn shortly afterward.
After parking his motorcycle, Pena Rivera was approached by Chief Fisher, who was not in uniform and driving an unmarked police vehicle with no lights activated. What followed was a tense and frightening confrontation. Pena Rivera recounts hearing Fisher order him to get on the ground, accompanied by a direct threat: “I will shoot you.” He describes the shock and fear of having a gun literally pointed in his face while being wrestled by the chief.
Video Evidence Contradicts Police Narrative
Prior to the video’s release, the Manheim Township Police Department had announced that Pena Rivera was arrested following accusations of shoving Chief Fisher and resisting arrest during a traffic stop. Police claimed that Pena Rivera ran a red light, rode on the sidewalk, and weaved dangerously between vehicles. They also stated that he ignored orders, used his motorcycle to push Fisher down, and then fled on foot.
However, the security footage paints a different picture. It shows Fisher pulling a gun on Pena Rivera without activating police lights or wearing a uniform, calling into question the legitimacy and safety of the police chief’s actions. Pena Rivera has maintained that the video validates his account, emphasizing that without this footage, no one would believe his version of events.
Charges Dropped Amidst Growing Scrutiny
Following the public release of the video, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams announced that all criminal charges against Benny Pena Rivera were dropped. Adams cited the facts and circumstances of the case as the basis for this decision, emphasizing an agreement with the Manheim Police Department to resolve the matter accordingly.
The dropping of charges highlights serious concerns about the initial police conduct and raises questions about the appropriateness of the police chief's response during the encounter. It also reflects broader issues around police accountability and the use of force, particularly in situations involving individuals not in uniform or standard police procedure.
Community Reaction and Call for Justice
Benny Pena Rivera has expressed deep discomfort and fear following the incident, stating that he no longer feels safe going outside or even seeing a police officer. He has publicly called for Chief Fisher to be held accountable, seeking justice for what he describes as an unjust and terrifying experience.
The incident has ignited community concern about trust and safety in law enforcement, especially when officers do not follow clear protocols such as wearing uniforms or using police lights during stops. Pena Rivera’s experience underscores the vulnerability citizens can feel when confronted by plainclothes officers who fail to identify themselves clearly.
Police Chief on Administrative Leave and Investigation Underway
In response to the controversy, Manheim Township officials have placed Chief Dwayne Fisher on paid administrative leave. The township has also announced a formal investigation into the incident to examine the police chief’s conduct and the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
The decision to place the chief on leave indicates the seriousness with which the township is treating the allegations and the evidence revealed by the security footage. It also reflects a growing demand for transparency and reform in policing practices to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The incident involving Manheim Township Police Chief Dwayne Fisher and motorcyclist Benny Pena Rivera serves as a stark example of the complex challenges surrounding law enforcement accountability. The release of security footage has not only contradicted official police statements but also led to dropped charges and an ongoing investigation. As the community awaits the outcome, this event highlights the urgent need for clear protocols, responsible police conduct, and trust between officers and the public they serve. Pena Rivera’s call for justice resonates as a powerful reminder that those charged with protecting citizens must also be held to the highest standards of accountability.
