Plymouth Township officer released from hospital after driver's parking lot rampage
PLYMOUTH TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The two police officers injured in a violent encounter last week are now out of the hospital, including one who spent days fighting for his life.
Cheers erupted outside Penn Presbyterian Medical Center as Plymouth Township police officer Jake Hennessey was discharged Friday, a week after he was struck by a suspect while on duty.
Doctors, nurses and fellow officers lined the outside of the emergency room, applauding as Hennessey was wheeled out of the hospital.
Police say 21-year-old Dalton Lee Janiczek hit Hennessey and his cruiser multiple times when the officer had attempted to stop him from fleeing.
SEE ALSO | Suspect charged after allegedly injuring 2 officers with vehicle
Janiczek had been spotted driving a Mercedes G-Wagon erratically in Plymouth Township, authorities said.
In a now-viral TikTok video that has garnered nearly three million views, Janiczek allegedly accelerates toward the officer, prompting Hennessey to open fire. Police say the footage is now part of the ongoing investigation.
"I can't believe there are people out there doing this kind of thing," said Sandy Larocca of East Norriton. "He looked happy. He looked like there was no problem in doing what he did."
SEE ALSO | Video shows driver's parking lot rampage that injured Plymouth Twp. officers
Hennessey, who joined the force in 2023, was escorted by ambulance, led by a procession of police vehicles, as he begins a long road to recovery.
"I hope he's gonna be OK," said Chris Cassa of East Norriton. "I really appreciate everything the police force does for us. I hate to see something like this happen. You hear he's getting out of the hospital, is great news, and I wish the best for him."
The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office is leading the investigation. Janiczek is being held without bail on charges including attempted murder.
