At a Glance
- A 26-year-old Philadelphia man was arrested after firing shots at a multi-agency raid.
- Investigators seized hundreds of dollars in cash, several firearms and large amounts of marijuana.
- Three separate search warrants were executed in Philadelphia and Levittown on January 15, 2026.
Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing drug-related violence and the aggressive enforcement tactics used by state and local police.
Police arrested a 26-year-old Philadelphia man, Nicholas Sperando, after he fired shots at officers during a coordinated search warrant execution. The raid involved agents from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police, Bucks County detectives, and Bensalem Police. The operation led to the seizure of firearms, cash, and marijuana, and the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect found at a second location.
The Raid and Shooting
The raid began on January 15, 2026 at around 6 a.m. on a home located on the 3800 block of Fairdale Road. Agents announced their presence and attempted to force entry. A shot was fired from inside the house, prompting the investigators to retreat and re-announce themselves. A second shot was heard, and the team retreated again, establishing a perimeter and calling for Sperando to exit. Five to eight minutes later, Sperando opened the garage door and was taken into custody.
During the confrontation, agents recovered a semiautomatic pistol with a live round in the chamber, an AR-style rifle, a 9 mm Glock handgun with an extended magazine, drug paraphernalia, cash, and bullet holes in the wall and a door facing a neighbor’s home. The incident occurred while agents were executing a warrant that had been obtained after a series of informant-based drug deals involving Sperando.
Search Warrant Findings
Three search warrants were executed on the same morning at distinct addresses:
| Address | Findings |
|---|---|
| 3800 block of Fairdale Road | 1 semiautomatic pistol, 1 AR-style rifle, 1 Glock handgun, drug paraphernalia, cash, bullet holes |
| 1200 block of Day Street | 19-year-old David Tierney found in an upstairs bathroom attempting to flush pills and a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine. Tierney was taken into custody without incident. |
| 9200 block of James Street | Additional marijuana, more firearms-including a Mossberg pump shotgun-, and more drug paraphernalia |
A van and a trailer registered to Sperando were also searched, revealing large amounts of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, cash, and a loaded gun hidden under a pillow.
The marijuana purchased during informant-driven deals in September 2025, December 2025, and January 2026 was sent to a lab for analysis. Investigators obtained warrants for three Philadelphia addresses connected to Sperando based on the lab results and informant tips.
Legal Proceedings
Nicholas Sperando faces charges of attempted murder, attempted murder of a law-enforcement officer, aggravated assault, and several drug-related offenses. He is being held in the Bucks County Jail after bail was denied.
David Tierney is charged with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, conspiracy, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Tierney is also held in the Bucks County Jail after failing to post bail.
Both suspects are currently in custody while investigators search for additional individuals who may have been involved in the drug and gun sales.
Statements from Counsel
Sperando’s attorney told News Of Philadelphia that his client was acting out of fear when he allegedly shot at officers. The attorney added, “This young man was in lawful possession of a firearm and believed his home was being broken into when he heard loud banging at the door and the house alarm going off.”
Sperando’s lawyer also told News Of Philadelphia that his client was acting out of fear when he allegedly shot at officers.
Tierney’s attorney was not reached for comment at the time of publication.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing to investigate other parties who may have participated in the drug and gun sales linked to Sperando. The investigation began in September 2025 when officials in Bucks County used an informant who contacted Sperando via social media and met with him to buy marijuana. A second marijuana deal took place in Levittown in December 2025, and a third in Northeast Philadelphia in January 2026.
The multi-agency raid on January 15, 2026 was the culmination of months of surveillance and informant activity. The authorities seized a significant cache of illegal substances and firearms, demonstrating the extent of the alleged criminal network.
Key Takeaways
- Nicholas Sperando was arrested after firing shots at a coordinated search warrant execution.
- Multiple firearms, marijuana, and cash were seized across three Philadelphia addresses.
- A 19-year-old suspect, David Tierney, was also taken into custody.
- Both suspects are held in the Bucks County Jail pending further proceedings.
- Investigators remain active in identifying other participants in the alleged drug and gun sales.
