'This was a tragic situation:' Probation for man with BB gun whom York City police shot

A man whom York City police shot when he was experiencing a mental health crisis and did not follow commands to drop a BB gun pleaded guilty on Thursday to terroristic threats and simple assault for five years’ probation.

Donovain Saulisbury, 33, must spend the first six months of his sentence on house arrest, undergo mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations and follow through with any recommended treatment. Police shot him near the Greyhound Bus Station on East North Street near North Duke Street in York after he did not comply with their orders on Sept. 2, 2019.

“That’s a dangerous mistake to make,” Common Pleas Judge Harry M. Ness said. “You’re lucky to be standing.”

READ:Some Pa. mental health patients end up with felonies, jail instead of the care they need

Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Hamme said the two police officers agreed with the resolution, which dropped charges including aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and defiant trespass.

Saulisbury will receive credit for the 30 days that he spent in York County Prison toward his house arrest.

In an interview, Korey Leslie, Saulisbury’s attorney, said while it had not been the path that he and his client wanted to go to resolve the case, the plea agreement was fair.

Leslie said the resolution allows his client to avoid a felony conviction and continue with treatment.

Saulisbury was rejected from York County Mental Health Wellness Court because he did not have a qualifying diagnosis within the last two years. Leslie said no one disputes the fact that his client was experiencing a mental health crisis, and authorities involuntary committed him after the shooting.

“This was a tragic situation. It could’ve been a hell of a lot worse,” said Leslie, who noted in court that the BB gun looked like a real weapon. “I’m grateful that it wasn’t worse, that it wasn’t fatal for anyone.”

MORE:Here's a rundown of cases in which police were involved in shootings in York County

The York County District Attorney’s Office has not publicly released its findings about the use of force.

Lt. Daniel Lentz, public information officer for the York City Police Department, said an internal investigation cleared the police officers and found no policy violations.

The Pennsylvania State Police, he said, recommended no criminal charges. They’ve been back at work. 

CHECK OUT:He's a Princeton University graduate living in York County Prison. His parents are desperate for help.

Outside the courtroom, Lynn Stephens, Saulisbury’s mother, recalled how her son received a college scholarship for basketball. He later moved back to York County, where he worked as a prep cook and lived on his own.

Then, Stephens recalled, everything started to unravel — “like a hurricane hit.” Saulisbury, she said, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at about 23.

“I miss my son,” she said.

Her son, she said, has paid for his actions. He’s traumatized from being shot multiple times.

With family support, Stephens said, her son has been able to remain compliant with treatment. She noted that there will be another set of people looking over him while he’s on probation.

Said Stephens: “It’s a reinforcement of him being compliant.”

Contact Dylan Segelbaum at 717-771-2102.