Ridley Twp. officer in alleged Wawa assault fired

A Ridley Township police officer has been fired and a warrant issued for his arrest after he allegedly hit a Wawa manager who requested proof of age when he bought a tobacco product, authorities announced today.

Brian Decker, 33, of Swarthmore, was off-duty when the incident allegedly occurred. He has been charged with harassment, simple assault, and making terroristic threats, said Michael Mattson, spokesman for the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

The termination was unanimously approved at a township commissioners meeting tonight, said Commissioners President Robert J. Willert. Decker had been on the Ridley force since 2002, and Ridley Township Police Capt. Charles Howley said there were no previous problems with him.

"We do not condone this type of behavior," Howley said. He said the victim "was right" when she asked Decker for identification.

Mattson said his office has learned that Decker has checked himself into a medical facility and will turn himself in after he is released.

Last Tuesday, according to court documents, Decker struck an assistant manager at the Wawa on Morton Avenue in Folsom several times in the face and head. He also allegedly said, "You better watch your back." When the victim asked if he were threatening her, Decker said, "Take it any way you want. You will be out of here soon. You and your family better watch your back," according to the documents.

The victim was treated at Riddle Memorial Hospital for "a black eye, a contusion of the orbit of the eye, and a deep bruise contusion of the soft tissue," court records show.

She told investigators of two other incidents, according to court documents. In those cases, Decker yelled at her when she requested photo identification. In one case, the documents say, he "threw the money on the counter, took the tobacco product, and told her to call a cop."