Police Officer Charged In Fatal Shooting Near Dorney Park

A police officer was not justified in using deadly force on a man shot July 28 near Dorney Park, and has been charged with voluntary manslaughter, authorities said Tuesday.

South Whitehall Police Officer Jonathan Roselle, 33, was charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Joseph Santos, 44, of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., Leigh County District Attorney James Martin said during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

Roselle has been placed on administrative leave.

Santos was shot near the 3700 block of Hamilton Boulevard after several people called 911 because he was observed jumping onto cars. He allegedly ripped a window off a woman's vehicle and then jumped on the hood of another, authorities said.

Martin said Tuesday that authorities have reviewed video from a police vehicle's dashboard camera and a body camera as part of the investigation. Santos did not have anything visible in his hands during his encounter with police, and "did not present a threatening posture," Martin said.

Santos can be heard on video saying to Roselle, who had his gun unholstered and pointed at Santos "don't do it," Martin said.

One of the woman who said she encountered Santos that day and reported his actions to police said he was acting like a maniac. She shared a video and her experience on Facebook.

Roselle's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 14, court documents show.

You can see Tuesday's full press conference here:

Photo courtesy of Nadia Elizabeth