A man who fired shots at guests at a Bensalem hotel and attempted to rob one of them in 2021 was sentenced Friday, to serve 11 to 22 years in a state correctional institution, the Bucks County District Attorney’s office said.
Ted Leroy Fosco, 58, was convicted in October on multiple counts of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault, along with counts of criminal attempt to discharge a firearm into an occupied structure, robbery, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On Friday, Fosco appeared before Common Pleas Judge Gary B. Gilman who sentenced him to an aggregate sentence of 11 to 22 years in state prison, and also ordered him to screen for intensive drug and alcohol treatment, not possess firearms and have no contact with the victims or the Comfort Inn.
Gilman also commended the Bensalem Township Police Department for their professionalism and how they handled Fosco.
Bensalem police were dispatched just before 5 p.m. Jan. 27, 2021, to the Comfort Inn at 2779 Lincoln Highway for a report of an armed person. Upon arrival, officers were informed that the man had fired several shots and was in the lobby.
Police located the man, later identified as Fosco, and gave him formal commands to surrender, which he ignored, the DAs office said. When police officers attempted to detain him, Fosco became combative, leading to a struggle, they said. After Fosco was taken into custody, they said, they located a 22-caliber handgun in his possession.
Bensalem detectives and police officers spoke to several witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage from the first floor and lobby area of the hotel.
The investigation found that Fosco encountered two men on the first floor of the hotel, near the lobby, and fired one shot from a short distance away at the men, nearly striking them.
Minutes later, the DAs office said, Fosco encountered a male juvenile and tried to rob him. The juvenile ran back to his room and locked the door. Fosco followed the juvenile, yelling at him to give up everything, and then fired one shot into the door, the DAs office said. Two others were inside the room with the juvenile.
The investigation found that Fosco did not have a valid permit to carry a handgun. Police also found drugs and drug paraphernalia in his room, the DAs office said.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
