HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– A wanted man shot by Harrisburg Police during a traffic stop in June wanted to be shot by officers, the Dauphin County District Attorney announced Tuesday.

Bryan Horton, 39, of Harrisburg, said that he did not want to go back to jail so he pretended to have a gun to get police to shoot him, according to a news release.

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County District Attorney Fran Chardo determined the use of deadly force by police was “justified,” the release said.

The shooting happened in the area of 19th and Derry Streets before 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. Police were trying to take Horton into custody on felony charges while he was in his vehicle.

According to the DA’s office, Horton made movements that would indicate he was armed, such as moving his hand toward his waist and making a sudden movement toward the officers with a black object in his hand, making it appear as if he had a gun.

Officers then opened fire, hitting Harris in the neck, arms, buttocks and legs, Chardo said. Life-saving measures were immediately started by police, and Horton was taken to the hospital and released.

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Harris admitted that he wanted to be killed by police to medical personnel, near police the day after the shooting, according to the DA’s office

Harris had previously been released from prison on Aug. 26, 2022, after serving time for cocaine distribution and was under federal supervision.

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