Glenwood "Bubba" Pysher IV, a 22-year-old man from Pennsylvania, was shot and killed by police after he knocked on the wrong door while trying to join what he believed was his friend's house during a birthday celebration, authorities confirmed.
Background
Pysher had been at a bar celebrating his friend's birthday Saturday night with a group of friends before they decided to continue the festivities at one of their homes, according to his family. His mother, Erin Pysher, told WPVI that he chose to walk to what he thought was the gathering location. He arrived at a residence on Snyder Road in Upper Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County, approximately 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia, believing it belonged to one of his friends.
The homeowner apparently did not recognize Pysher and called 911 to report a possible attempted break-in, according to investigators. Erin Pysher told the station that her son "ended up at the wrong house" and was knocking on the back door after having a few drinks, repeatedly saying "Hey, let me in," thinking it was his friend's residence.
The Investigation
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced Monday that the Montgomery County Detective Bureau is investigating the shooting, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in the county. According to the DA's office, at least one Upper Pottsgrove Township Police Department officer arrived at the scene and "encountered" Pysher in the rear of the residence before opening fire.
"An encounter ensued and police fired at [Glenwood] Pysher, fatally striking him," Steele said in a statement. The victim was unarmed at the time of the shooting, his mother confirmed to WPVI, noting he had only been carrying a cellphone and a book bag.
Erin Pysher described the rapid timeline of events: "At 12:32, he was on his phone with his friends. By 12:35, I believe he was already shot. So, within a few minutes, the cop showed up and shot him."
According to a GoFundMe campaign established for the family, Pysher was described as "a promising young man, athlete, and scholar who loved his family dearly" and was preparing to play baseball at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey. The fundraiser stated that "everyone who knew him will remember his love for baseball and the joy he found in catching balls, something that brought so much pride to his father, mother, three sisters, and the entire Pysher family."
Key Takeaways
- Glenwood 'Bubba' Pysher IV, 22, was shot and killed by Upper Pottsgrove Township Police officers on Snyder Road in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
- He had been celebrating a friend's birthday at a bar before walking to what he believed was the party's next location
- Homeowners called 911 reporting a possible attempted break-in when Pysher knocked on their door
- Officers arrived and encountered Pysher in the rear of the property before firing, fatally striking him
- Family says Pysher was unarmed and only carrying a cellphone and book bag
- The Montgomery County Detective Bureau is investigating as standard protocol for officer-involved shootings
- Pysher was reportedly an athlete preparing to play baseball at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey
What's Next
The investigation into the shooting remains active. Investigators have not released body camera footage or additional details about the confrontation. The DA's office stated that the detective bureau's inquiry is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against any officers as of this report. Family members have called for transparency in the investigation, with Erin Pysher publicly questioning the rapid sequence of events that led to her son's death.
The Upper Pottsgrove Township Police Department has not yet identified which officer or officers fired the shots, and officials have not specified how many responding officers were present at the scene. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.