Executive Summary
- Nicholas Sperando charged with attempted murder of law enforcement officers.
- Suspect allegedly fired two shots as police breached door for drug warrant.
- No injuries reported; suspect surrendered after brief standoff.
- Judge denied bail citing public safety concerns.
A Philadelphia man faces multiple attempted murder charges after allegedly firing shots at law enforcement officers attempting to execute a search warrant at his residence, according to court documents filed by Bucks County detectives.
Nicholas Sperando, 26, is accused of discharging a firearm twice as officers utilized a battering ram to breach the entrance of his home on the 3800 block of Fairdale Road on January 15. The operation, conducted by Bucks County detectives and Bensalem police, was the culmination of a narcotics investigation involving confidential informants who had allegedly purchased marijuana from Sperando on multiple occasions.
According to the probable cause affidavit, officers approached the residence and announced their presence before attempting entry. Investigators reported hearing a gunshot from inside the dwelling as the door was breached, prompting officers to retreat to tactical positions. A second shot was reportedly fired less than a minute later.
Sperando surrendered approximately 10 minutes after the initial engagement and was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities confirmed that no law enforcement personnel were injured during the operation. A subsequent search of the property revealed bullet holes directed toward a neighboring home and through the main door.
Investigators stated that firearms, ammunition, and a fired casing were recovered from the scene. Additionally, officers seized bulk marijuana, a vacuum sealer, and currency counting equipment from the Fairdale Road location and two other properties associated with the investigation.
Sperando was arraigned before District Judge Terrance Hughes on 17 felonies, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer. Judge Hughes denied bail, characterizing the defendant as a danger to the community. Sperando has been transferred to the Bucks County Correctional Center.
Legal Proceedings and Safety Protocols
The denial of bail in this case underscores the judicial system’s stringent approach to allegations involving direct violence against law enforcement personnel. As the case proceeds, the prosecution is expected to rely heavily on ballistics evidence and the timeline established in the probable cause affidavit to substantiate the charges of intent. This incident further highlights the high-risk nature of executing search warrants in residential environments and the tactical protocols police employ to mitigate casualties. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
