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Judicial proceedings in New York City on Tuesday disclosed that police officers involved with the capture of the suspect were so skeptical of a tip on his whereabouts that they bantered regarding a prize hoagie in text messages.

"My supervisor said, 'if you get the New York City gunman, I’ll buy you a sub from a nearby restaurant,'" testified Officer Joseph Detwiler of the Pennsylvania force. "I said, 'Consider it accomplished.'"

In less than an sixty minutes, Detwiler learned that this seemingly spurious lead was true.

A Apprehension at a Quick-Service Restaurant

The suspect was apprehended in the state at a McDonald's on 9 December 2024 in relation to the murder of Brian Thompson. The CEO's death on a NYC road on the prior date had ignited a sprawling manhunt and fueled public outrage.

Following dispatch's instructions, Detwiler and another officer proceeded to the McDonald's. "Upon arrival, I observed the male sitting at a table inside, next to the restrooms," Detwiler said. The man was wearing a large coat, tan beanie and light blue face covering, exactly as the tipster had said.

Detwiler asked the man for his identification and explained that "a person contacted authorities, they believed you were acting suspiciously". He requested identification, which the man provided. This ID would later be revealed as fake.

Detwiler also asked the man to pull down his face covering. "At that moment, I knew it was him instantly," Detwiler said.

Court Hearings and Evidence Challenge

Detwiler's testimony came on the second day of a potentially multi-day proceeding about if proof was gathered illegally during Mangione's encounter with police. The defense attorneys have consistently argued for the exclusion of materials secured during his detention, alleging he was not promptly advised of his constitutional rights.

The audio recording chronicling Detwiler's dispatch was played in the hearing.

"We have a male in the McDonald's that resembles the New York City shooter," the operator told Detwiler.

Detwiler replied: "Affirmative. We'll be on that."

When questioned about his demeanor, Detwiler explained, "I was being semi-sarcastic when I responded. Frankly, I did not believe it was going to be the person that they thought it was."

The Critical Moments Following Recognition

Detwiler testified he "stayed composed" after identifying the suspect and contacted his sergeant. "Yes, he's here. It's him," Detwiler recalled stating.

On the phone conversation, Detwiler emphasized that he wasn't kidding. "He was taken aback, because he was the one who sent me the SMS when we received the dispatch," about the free hoagie.

Detwiler tried to act as normally as he could, informing Mangione that police were there over reports that he had been lingering too long. Officer-worn footage showed the suspect consuming food.

"I asked him if it was a steak sandwich," Detwiler said. Mangione replied affirmatively. "I remarked it was my preferred item." His goal, he said, was "just trying to keep things calm and routine."

The Role of the Face Covering

The extent of a role the suspect's face covering played in attracting suspicion is unclear.

When questioned about mask culture in the area, Detwiler said, "We don't wear face coverings. We have antibodies."

And because "hardly anyone uses them" in that locale, Detwiler understood the man they would later confirm as Mangione was the individual who had prompted concern. "The individual had a face covering on," Detwiler said. "So he had to be the person we were dispatched there for."

Legal Defense Cross-Examination

Karen Agnifilo, among Mangione's lawyers, examined Detwiler after the prosecution concluded its inquiry. She pressed on details about his identification of Mangione.

Agnifilo highlighted that the dispatch call was labeled as "low-priority". "The call didn't seem serious on the dispatch, no," Detwiler conceded. She also pointed out that lights and sirens were not used.

Agnifilo implied through questioning that the speed of the positive ID seemed off. "So, in that instant, two seconds into seeing him, you are certain: he's the NYC murder suspect?"

Detwiler again that he knew. "No uncertainty in my thoughts."

Agnifilo also attempted to establish that her client was held without being apprised of his Miranda rights. She asked about the police's placement in the McDonald's, suggesting they were positioned to prevent Mangione from leaving.

Detwiler said that he and his partner required space. "We're not going to position ourselves beside each other and grasp each other's hands."