Ax-Wielding Man Critical After Luring Police With Threats Of Violence In Upper Darby
By Diana Rocco
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – 19-year-old Joshua Burno is in critical condition at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Police say he was shot early this morning in his home after a planned, ax-wielding ambush on police.
In a midday news conference the Upper Darby Police Chief Michael Chitwood says Burno was on 'suicide mission.'
He wanted to officers to fire on him, so he made a 911 call threatening to harm his family and waited for police to arrive. When the officers entered the residence, Burno allegedly busted through a closet door in the entryway, breaking the door and wildly swing an ax at Police.
An officer fired twice hitting Burno in the shoulder. He was immediately taken to the hospital. On him, police found a box cutter and say there was another knife on the dining room floor. Police believe Burno never intended to harm his family but rather made the call as a rouse to get police to his house.
Burno has a history of mental health issues. He was most recently admitted to the hospital last week, and released the same day.
In 2008, Police say, he made threats against other students at Drexel Hill Middle School, where he was a student at the time. Neighbors say he was quiet and respectful they are stunned by the early morning events.
