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Court hearings in New York City on that day disclosed that law enforcement officials involved with the arrest of the suspect were so doubtful of a tip on his whereabouts that they bantered regarding a reward hoagie in text messages.

"He stated, 'if you apprehend the New York City gunman, I’ll buy you a hoagie from a nearby eatery,'" testified Police Officer Joseph Detwiler of the Pennsylvania police department. "In response, I said, 'Consider it accomplished.'"

In less than an hour, Detwiler discovered that this apparently unreliable lead was true.

The Apprehension at a Quick-Service Eatery

Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania at a fast-food chain on that date in connection with the murder of Brian Thompson. Thompson's death on a New York City street on 4 December 2024 had spurred a widespread search and fueled widespread outrage.

In response to the call center's instructions, Detwiler and another officer went to the restaurant. "I saw the man sitting at a booth there, near the bathrooms," Detwiler testified. The man was dressed in a large coat, brown beanie and light blue face covering, just as the tipster had said.

Detwiler inquired of the man for his name and explained that "a person called, they believed you were acting suspiciously". He asked for identification, which the man provided. This identification would prove to be fake.

Detwiler also asked the man to lower his face covering. "I realized it was him instantly," Detwiler said.

Court Hearings and Proof Challenge

The officer's account came on the second day of a potentially multi-day hearing concerning whether evidence was gathered improperly during Mangione's interaction with police. Mangione's lawyers have consistently argued for the exclusion of evidence obtained during his detention, alleging he was not immediately advised of his legal protections.

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

"There's a man in the McDonald's that resembles the New York City suspect," the operator told Detwiler.

Detwiler replied: "10-4. We'll be on that."

When questioned about his tone, Detwiler explained, "I was being somewhat flippant when I responded. I did not believe it was going to be the individual that they suspected it was."

A Critical Moments After Recognition

Detwiler said he "remained calm" after recognizing Mangione and contacted his sergeant. "Correct, he's here. It's him," Detwiler remembered stating.

On the phone conversation, Detwiler insisted that he wasn't joking. "He was surprised, since he was the one who sent me the SMS when we received the dispatch," referencing the free hoagie.

Detwiler attempted to act as casually as possible, telling Mangione that police were there over complaints that he had been lingering too long. Body-camera video depicted Mangione consuming food.

"I asked him if it was a steak sandwich," Detwiler said. Mangione responded affirmatively. "I then remarked it was my preferred item." His goal, he said, was "just trying to maintain things peaceful and normal."

A Significance of the Face Covering

How much of a factor the suspect's face covering had in attracting attention remains unclear.

When asked regarding the prevalence of masks in the area, Detwiler responded, "We don't wear face coverings. We have natural immunity."

And since "no one wears them" in that locale, Detwiler understood the man they would later confirm as Mangione was the individual who had prompted suspicion. "The individual had a face covering on," Detwiler said. "Therefore he must have been the person we were dispatched there for."

Defense Cross-Examination

Karen Agnifilo, one of Mangione's counsel, examined Detwiler once the state concluded its questioning. She pressed on particulars surrounding his recognition of Mangione.

Agnifilo highlighted that the radio transmission was categorized as "not urgent". "It did not seem serious on the radio, no," Detwiler conceded. She also questioned that emergency signals were not used.

Agnifilo suggested through questioning that the timing of the positive ID seemed off. "It's at that moment, two seconds into seeing him, you are certain: he's the NYC shooter?"

Detwiler again that he knew. "No doubt in my mind."

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

Detwiler said that he and his partner required room. "We are not going to stand next to each other and grasp each other's hands."