Charges filed against Levittown man accused of backing into Morrisville officer

A man who backed a stolen car into a Morrisville police corporal's car last weekend was charged with attempted murder late Saturday.

Morrisville Police Chief George McClay said Matthew B. Shipe, 25, of Levittown is also charged with aggravated assault, theft, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude police, simple assault and criminal attempt recklessly endangering another person.

McClay said the officer, who was not identified, noticed a Suburu Impreza in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven at Bridge and Philadelphia streets at 5:25 a.m. last Saturday. When he checked the license tags, he learned the car had been stolen.

As the corporal approached the vehicle, he saw a man inside and asked him to exit. The driver, identified as Shipe, allegedly backed into the corporal's patrol car and struck the officer, injuring his arm, the chief said.

The officer fired twice, striking the man once in the chest, McClay said.

The driver fled down Bridge Street before the car hit a barrier and a hill, McClay said. He was taken to St. Mary Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

The officer later received hospital treatment for the arm injury.

Shipe appeared before District Judge Regina Armitage, who set bail at $750,000. He was sent to Bucks County Prison.

-Sarai Flores