Arrest of driver in fatal hit and run
A six-month investigation into a fatal hit and run of a 14-year-old boy led Bensalem Police to the identification and arrest of James Shulski, 35, from Helen Street in Trevose.
On July 6, 2023, at 10:15 p.m., Bensalem Police responded to a struck pedestrian on Street Road near the Route 1 overpass. Upon arrival, they found a 14-year-old male in the center travel lane of the roadway who had severe injuries and was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were performed, but the boy died from the injuries he sustained after being struck by a vehicle.
Police found that the striking vehicle stopped briefly; the driver got out but returned to his car and fled. Investigators found surveillance video showing a gray Honda Accord traveling westbound on Street Road just prior to the crash. After striking the child, the vehicle fled the scene westbound into Lower Southampton. The vehicle was then tracked backward utilizing surveillance cameras.
Prior to the crash, the registration of the striking vehicle was captured by a license plate reader. Investigators went to the registered address of the vehicle owner and found a gray Honda Accord parked at the residence. The Honda had damage consistent with striking a pedestrian. Police spoke with the vehicle owner and then attempted to speak with Shulski, who lived at the address but refused to answer any questions.
The Honda Accord was seized pursuant to a search warrant, inspected and evidence collected. Investigators also obtained a search warrant for Shulski’s cell phone records. A detailed review of those records placed his cellular phone near the crash scene at the time of the incident. A search warrant for his DNA was served, and the DNA recovered from the vehicle’s steering wheel matching the known DNA sample of Shulski.
On Tuesday, Jan. 23, Shulski surrendered to Bensalem Police. He was charged with Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury (Felony 2) and Duty to Give Information and Render Aid (Summary). District Justice Joseph Falcone arraigned him, and bail was set at 10 percent of $100,000. Family members immediately posted the bail and he was released.
Hit and run in Bensalem
On Jan. 12, at 11:55 p.m., Bensalem Police responded to the area of Street Road and Brookwood Drive for a hit and run of a struck pedestrian, who suffered broken bones and was transported to the hospital. A red Ford F350 extended cab pickup truck was the striking vehicle and fled the scene. It displayed a New Jersey registration plate of L23RZD, which comes back as “no record found.”
If anyone sees this vehicle, or has information about the location of the truck or the identity of the operator, submit an anonymous tip online at bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bensalempd/ or call Det. Shawn Smith at 215-633-3687.
Retail theft at Kohl’s
Bensalem Police are investigating a retail theft at the Kohl’s located at 2325 Street Road on Jan. 14. It was reported at about 7:50 p.m. that two unknown females entered the store and stole over $300 worth of fragrances. They fled the area in a newer model gray SUV, possibly a Ford Edge.
If you have any information regarding their identities, submit an anonymous tip online at bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bensalempd/ or call Bensalem Police at 215-633-3719.
Retail theft at Home Depot
Bensalem Police are investigating a retail theft at the Home Depot located at 1336 Bristol Pike on Jan. 11. It was reported that at about 9:30 a.m., an unknown male stole a “Moisture Meter” and fled the area in a white-in-color work van. The suspect was described as a white male, 35-45 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a thin build, wearing a white and green jacket.
If you have any information about his identity, submit an anonymous tip online at bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bensalempd/ or call Bensalem Police at 215-633-3719.
