Manhunt in Schwenksville Leads to Assault on Officer, Arrest, Police Say

A person of interest in several local crimes was arrested Thursday afternoon after a Pennsylvania State Police and local agencies conducted a manhunt in Schwenksville Borough.

Police had been searching for Matthew Dowsett, 22, of Schwenksville, when he was spotted Thursday morning in a vehicle behind the residences on the 500 block of Main Street, police said.

When Dowsett was approached by a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper, he tried to run away but was caught by the trooper and a struggle ensued, according to police.

Dowsett allegedly assaulted the trooper and attempted to take his gun before fleeing the area and escaping by jumping into the Perkiomen Creek, police said.

A perimeter was set up in the area, and multiple units arrived to assist with the search, police said.

Patch readers commended that low-flying helicopters could be seen in the borough.

Dowsett was found hiding along the banks of the Perkiomen Creek and was taken into custody. He was treated for his exposure to the extreme cold of the Perkiomen Creek waters.