LANCASTER, PA – Security footage from a shopping center in Lancaster County has cast doubt on a police account of an incident involving a local police chief and a young motorcyclist. The footage, which surfaced last month, shows Manheim Township Police Chief Dwayne Fisher drawing a gun on 24-year-old Benny Pena Rivera, contradicting initial police reports that led to Pena Rivera’s arrest on multiple charges.
On May 2, Manheim Township police announced the arrest of Pena Rivera, alleging that he had shoved Chief Fisher and resisted arrest following a traffic stop. However, the newly emerged video footage suggests a different narrative, prompting the dismissal of all charges against Pena Rivera.
According to Pena Rivera, the confrontation with Chief Fisher began on April 30 as he rode his motorcycle to work. He briefly encountered the chief at a traffic light, where Fisher reportedly waved at him in a friendly manner. Moments later, after parking his motorcycle, Pena Rivera found himself confronted by Fisher, who was not in uniform and whose unmarked vehicle did not have its police lights activated.
Pena Rivera recounted the alarming moment when Fisher, gun drawn, ordered him to the ground, threatening to shoot. “All I heard was ‘on the ground, I will shoot you,'” he said, describing his confusion and fear as Fisher pointed the weapon at him and engaged in a physical struggle.
The situation escalated as Pena Rivera fled on foot, with Fisher eventually activating his police lights in pursuit. Initial police reports claimed that Pena Rivera ran a red light, rode on the sidewalk, and maneuvered dangerously between vehicles before being stopped. They also accused him of pushing Fisher down with his motorcycle before fleeing.
In a significant development, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams announced on Wednesday that all criminal charges against Pena Rivera were being dropped. The decision was made in agreement with the Manheim Police Department, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.
Pena Rivera, who expressed his desire for accountability, is calling for Chief Fisher to face consequences for his actions. “I want justice to prevail,” he said, adding that the incident has left him feeling unsafe and wary of law enforcement encounters.
In response to the incident, Manheim Township has initiated an investigation into the matter and placed Chief Fisher on paid administrative leave. The township released a statement within the last hour confirming the investigation, as the community awaits further developments.