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Reading Police Department

PA Teen Sentenced To 45 Years To Life For Reading Murder Of NJ Woman: DA PA Teen Sentenced To 45 Years To Life For Reading Murder Of NJ Woman: DA
PA Teen Sentenced To 45 Years To Life For Reading Murder Of NJ Woman: DA A Reading teenager pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison for killing a 30-year-old New Jersey woman in 2023, Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced Thursday, Dec. 5. Henry Mendoza, 19, entered the plea before Berks County Common Pleas Judge Patrick T. Barrett for the shooting death of Natalie Classen, a Hoboken, NJ native recently living in Reading. The fatal shooting occurred at the intersection of 10th and Greenwich streets in the early morning hours of June 15, 2023, prosecutors said. Mendoza, then nine days shy of his 18t…
11 Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Guns Seized In Major Reading Drug Bust: DA 11 Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Guns Seized In Major Reading Drug Bust: DA
11 Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Guns Seized In Major Reading Drug Bust: DA Three Reading men were arrested in a major drug bust that turned up 11 pounds of methamphetamine, eight pounds of fentanyl, multiple loaded firearms, and more, authorities said. Selwyn Alcais-Garica, Rashan Brinkley, and Marcial Cooper are all facing a slew of charges following search warrants executed across Reading, leading to the evidential seizures, the Berks County DA's Office announced Monday, Sept. 16. Warrants were executed at 1423 Birch st. in Reading;1615 N.10th St. in Reading; 662 Tulpehocken Street in Reading and 501 Emerson Ave. in Laureldale. Authorities seized …
Marijuana Scavenger Hunt At Reading Park Leads To Deadly Shooting: Police Marijuana Scavenger Hunt At Reading Park Leads To Deadly Shooting: Police
Marijuana Scavenger Hunt At Reading Park Leads To Deadly Shooting: Police A teen was shot in the back after finding a stash of marijuana hidden in City Park, according to Reading police.  Rafael Tinoco-Villagomez, 19, was struck by gunfire on July 10 and died from his injuries at Reading Hospital, authorities said.  Two suspects, 18-year-old Luis Rios and 16-year-old Jasir Escoto, are in custody as of Friday, July 26, police wrote in a release.  All three attended an event advertised on social media about marijuana being hidden in the park, investigators believe. Tinoco-Villagomez found it and was chased by Rios and Escoto before th…
Two Shot During Fight At Reading Basketball Court: Police Two Shot During Fight At Reading Basketball Court: Police
Two Shot During Fight At Reading Basketball Court: Police Two people were treated for injuries after shots rang out in Reading early Friday morning, May 24, city police say.  Officers were called to the 1800 block of Forrest Street near Pendora Park around 2 a.m., authorities said.  They arrived to find one man shot in the leg and another in the shoulder, RPD said. Both were taken to Reading Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Investigators believe the shooting happened during a fight at the basketball courts. Police said the incident is under investigation and there is "no known threat to the public." Anyone w…
Police ID 19-Year-Old Killed In Reading Shooting Police ID 19-Year-Old Killed In Reading Shooting
Police ID 19-Year-Old Killed In Reading Shooting Authorities responded to the sound of gunfire in Reading on Monday night, April 1, to find a 19-year-old fatally wounded, city police said in a release.  Christian Disla died at the scene of the shooting, according to RPD. Police said it happened on the 1200 block of Muhlenberg Street around 8 p.m. No suspect description was available as of midday Tuesday, April 2. Police said there is "not believed to be any risk to public safety at this time." Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe to cover Disla's funeral costs.  Anyone with information is asked to call Reading Police …
Reading Police Search For Stolen Public Works Truck (UPDATED) Reading Police Search For Stolen Public Works Truck (UPDATED)
Reading Police Search For Stolen Public Works Truck (Updated) Update: The subject of this report surrendered to police, RPD said on Tuesday, Feb. 13.  Authorities in Reading are asking residents to keep an eye out for a stolen truck belonging to the city's Public Works Department.  Anyone who spots the yellow Ford Ranger or who can identify the pictured suspect is asked to contact investigators.  Suspect photo  Facebook/Reading Police Department Call Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116 or Northern Berks Regional Police Department at 610-655-4911. 
Reading Police Officer Found Dead On New Year's Eve Reading Police Officer Found Dead On New Year's Eve
Reading Police Officer Found Dead On New Year's Eve A 28-year-old Reading police officer was found dead in her home on New Year's Eve, according to her obituary shared by her Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, #9.  Courtney P. Dupree, a Reading native, was found on Sunday in her Wyomissing home, as stated in her obituary. Details about her passing have not been released.  The 2013 Muhlenberg High School graduate went on to attend Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and West Virginia University, according to her social media. Courtney held various jobs over the years, but her dream was alway to have a career as a police officer, some…
Kidnapper Who Broke Into Reading Home Still 'Armed And Dangerous': Police Kidnapper Who Broke Into Reading Home Still 'Armed And Dangerous': Police
Kidnapper Who Broke Into Reading Home Still 'Armed And Dangerous': Police (Note: This story has been updated with additional information from Reading police.) Police in Reading are looking for a suspected kidnapper.  Yusuf Scott is accused of breaking into a Windsor Street home and trying to kidnap a 26-year-old woman on Thursday night, Nov. 16, said RPD.  The victim was able to escape and is safe, but Scott is at large and considered armed and dangerous, authorities said. He is wanted for burglary and kidnapping.  Police executed search warrants at "multiple locations" in Reading but have not located the suspected kidnapper as of Frida…
Man Shot After 'Altercation' Outside Reading Bar: Authorities Man Shot After 'Altercation' Outside Reading Bar: Authorities
Man Shot After 'Altercation' Outside Reading Bar: Authorities A 28-year-old is in "serious" condition after an argument at a Reading bar ended in gunfire Thursday night, Nov. 2, according to city police.  Officers were called to Penn and South 3rd streets around 11:45 p.m. for a shooting in progress, the department said.  While en route to the scene, police learned that a man had checked into Reading Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg.  Investigators believe there was an "altercation" inside DeCarlo's Bar and Grill, and that the shooting happened outside after the "involved parties" were kicked out.  No suspect had been ide…
Driver Comes Under Gunfire On Reading Road, Authorities Say Driver Comes Under Gunfire On Reading Road, Authorities Say
Driver Comes Under Gunfire On Reading Road, Authorities Say A driver was shot at while cruising along South 10th Street in Reading early Wednesday morning, Oct. 18, according to city police.  The driver's car was damaged by gunfire near the corner of Cotton Street around 1 a.m., RPD detailed.  The victim told police he thought the shots came from an alley near a corner store at 498 S. 10th Street. Bullet casings were recovered from the area by investigators.   The shooting remains under investigation, Reading police said. Anyone with information can call RPD at 610-655-6116.
Driver In PA Crash Was Shot Before Collision: Authorities Driver In PA Crash Was Shot Before Collision: Authorities
Driver In PA Crash Was Shot Before Collision: Authorities The driver who was found dead on a Reading street after hitting a parked car early Thursday morning, Sept. 21 was killed by gunfire, authorities now believe.  The unidentified victim was pronounced dead at Reading Hospital after crashing into another vehicle on the 700 block of Schuylkill Avenue around 2 a.m., city police previously said.  Investigators now say the driver suffered a single, fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Their manner of death was ruled homicide, police added.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116. 
PA Driver Dies After Hitting Parked Car, Police Say PA Driver Dies After Hitting Parked Car, Police Say
PA Driver Dies After Hitting Parked Car, Police Say One person is dead after an early-morning car crash in Reading on Thursday, Sept. 21, authorities say.  The driver hit a parked car head-on on the 700 block of Schuylkill Avenue around 2 a.m., according to police.  First responders treated the driver at the scene and rushed them to Reading Hospital where they were later pronounced dead, RPD said.  They have not been identified by police as of late Thursday morning. The crash remains under investigation.  
Fight At Party Ends In Shooting, Reading Police Say Fight At Party Ends In Shooting, Reading Police Say
Fight At Party Ends In Shooting, Reading Police Say A Pennsylvania man was shot after an argument in the early morning hours on Sunday. Aug. 13, say police investigators.  The 20-year-old victim was near West Greenwich and Weiser Street around 3 a.m. when the shots rang out, Reading police said. The Reading resident was rushed to the hospital where his condition is unknown, they added.  Detectives believe the victim was walking home from a party where there had been "reports of an argument between unknown persons prior to shots being fired." There was "no suspect information" as of Monday, Aug. 14.  Anyone with informat…
Woman, 30, Shot And Killed On Reading Street: Police Woman, 30, Shot And Killed On Reading Street: Police
Woman, 30, Shot And Killed On Reading Street: Police Police are investigating after a woman was fatally shot on a Reading street early Thursday morning.  It happened around 2:30 a.m. on June 15, city police said in a statement.  The victim, 30-year-old Natalie Classen, was walking with a group on North 10th Street, authorities wrote. When they arrived at the intersection with Greenwich Street, a man with another group approached and shot her once, investigators said.  The suspect and his group fled the area, while Classen flagged down a cab and was taken to Reading Hospital, the department said. She died of her injury while of…
Adult, Teen Seriously Injured In Reading Shooting: Police Adult, Teen Seriously Injured In Reading Shooting: Police
Adult, Teen Seriously Injured In Reading Shooting: Police Two people were badly wounded in a late-night shooting on a Reading street, city police said in a release.  It happened around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, the department wrote. Officers arrived at the corner of North 13th and Green streets to find a 22-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wounds, authorities said.  Both men were rushed to Reading Hospital Tower Health where they were placed in "serious" condition, police said.  No arrests were reported as of Monday morning. 
Auburn Man Raped Berks Teen At Knifepoint On Her Way To School, Jury Finds Auburn Man Raped Berks Teen At Knifepoint On Her Way To School, Jury Finds
Auburn Man Raped Berks Teen At Knifepoint On Her Way To School, Jury Finds A man who was accused of raping a Reading teenager at knifepoint while she walked to school last spring is guilty, a Berks County jury has ruled.  Sean Samuels, now 39, of Auburn, was convicted of rape and related offenses on Wednesday, June 7, District Attorney John T. Adams' Office said in a release.  It happened around 8 a.m. on March 16 of last year, Daily Voice reported.  The victim, a 14-year-old girl, told police she was walking to school on the 1200 block of Hill Road when she was abducted at knifepoint, taken to another location, and sexually assaulted twice.  readingReading …
Dirt Biker, 26, Killed In Reading Crash Dirt Biker, 26, Killed In Reading Crash
Dirt Biker, 26, Killed In Reading Crash A 26-year-old dirt bike operator died in a crash over Memorial Day Weekend, police in Reading said. Officers were called to North Grace Street and Lancaster Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28, where the dirt bike and a vehicle collided, Reading spokeswoman Maritza Loaiza said. The 26-year-old dirt bike operator was being treated by EMS when police arrived. He was taken to Reading Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Missing 37-Year-Old Woman From Reading Found Dead Near Her Home: Police Missing 37-Year-Old Woman From Reading Found Dead Near Her Home: Police
Missing 37-Year-Old Woman From Reading Found Dead Near Her Home: Police The body of a 37-year-old woman who was missing for four days was found near her home, officials say. Jaelyn Zunino, also known as Jackie Rotondi, was found dead near her home in Reading on Monday, May 8, according to the Reading Police Department.  Zunino was last seen on the morning of Thursday, May 4.  Her family was "desperate" for her return, a Facebook post made by a family member said. Chief David Clark reports that a Reading woman who has been missing since Thursday has unfortunately been found... Posted by Reading Police Department on Monday, May 8, 2023 Zunino worked at Mar…
Missing Berks 19-Year-Old Found Dead, Homicide Investigation Launched Missing Berks 19-Year-Old Found Dead, Homicide Investigation Launched
Missing Berks 19-Year-Old Found Dead, Homicide Investigation Launched A 19-year-old Berks County man who had been missing for over a week was found dead in a wooded area in Reading, and police suspect he was murdered.  Javien Perch's remains were discovered along Oak Lane in the city's northeast side in the evening hours on Wednesday, April 5, a police department spokesperson said in a statement.  He was last seen alive about a mile away, heading south on North 10th Street on Tuesday, March 28, authorities had said.  A cause of death was not given, but police said the matter is being investigated as a homicide. There is "no indication" of a threat to public …
PA Man Shot By Law Enforcement After Using Flamethrower Says 'I Was Doing Drugs. I Apologize.' PA Man Shot By Law Enforcement After Using Flamethrower Says 'I Was Doing Drugs. I Apologize.'
PA Man Shot By Law Enforcement After Using Flamethrower Says 'I Was Doing Drugs. I Apologize.' A Reading man who survived a law enforcement-involved shooting that previously left him in critical condition has pleaded to all charges in the Lancaster County Courthouse on Thursday, March 16, 2023, according to the district attorney's office.  Zachary Robert Gilbaugh, 39, of the 1100 block of New Holland Road, pleaded guilty before Lancaster County Judge Thomas Sponaugle who accepted the plea and sentenced him to 8 to 20 years in prison.  “I regret what I did,” Gilbaugh said during the proceeding. “I was doing drugs. I apologize.” Gilbaugh was wanted on multiple warrants …
Prank Caller Sends SWAT Team To Reading Wendy's Prank Caller Sends SWAT Team To Reading Wendy's
Prank Caller Sends SWAT Team To Reading Wendy's Police in Berks County left Wendy's empty-handed this weekend.  A SWAT team in Reading was deployed to the fast food restaurant at 930 Lancaster Avenue at about 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, the department said.  Emergency dispatchers had been told that a suspect was "hiding in a dumpster, possibly armed," police said. But when officers searched the bin, they said they found nothing of note.  "All information leads to a swatting call originating from an internet number that originated out of state," Reading police explained. No injuries were reported.  "Swat…
Man Killed, Woman Injured In Reading Shooting Man Killed, Woman Injured In Reading Shooting
Man Killed, Woman Injured In Reading Shooting A man is dead and a woman is injured after an early morning shooting in a Reading home, authorities say.  Police were called to the 400 block of West Windsor Street just before 6 a.m. on Feb. 14 for a reported shooting in progress, the department said in a release.  Arriving officers found a 23-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds and a 32-year-old woman who had been shot in the leg, they said. The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, police wrote.  A suspect, Melvin Ojeda-Rodriguez, surrender…
Stolen Vehicle Crashes During Reading Street Chase: Police Stolen Vehicle Crashes During Reading Street Chase: Police
Stolen Vehicle Crashes During Reading Street Chase: Police One man sits in a Berks County jail cell after authorities say he crashed a stolen vehicle into a family's car during a police chase in Reading.  Officers were on patrol near 9th and Penn streets at about 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1 when they noticed a Volkswagen Jetta that was reported as stolen in Chester County, Reading police said in a statement.  The driver of the Volkswagen fled before police could pull him over, traveling north up 9th Street before heading east on Washington Street, the department wrote. The chase came to an end when the driver rammed into an occupied car on…
Reading High Schooler Knocked Out, Robbed: Report Reading High Schooler Knocked Out, Robbed: Report
Reading High Schooler Knocked Out, Robbed: Report A student at Reading High School was beaten unconscious during an apparent robbery in a school hallway, WFMZ reports.  The assault, which Reading police say was caught on video, occurred Wednesday, Jan. 18, per the report.  The clip shows six male students approach the victim before knocking him to the ground, WFMZ wrote. They continued to kick the victim's head and body before taking his shoes and cell phone and leaving the area, authorities told the outlet.  The student, whose name and age have not been reported, was rushed to Reading Hospital in an unknown condition.…
Daylight Shooter Charged In Reading: Police Daylight Shooter Charged In Reading: Police
Daylight Shooter Charged In Reading: Police The gunman who opened fire on a Reading street in broad daylight has been arrested, according to authorities.  Police say Angel Ramon Burgos-Ortiz, 44, was taken into custody Tuesday, Jan. 10 on charges of aggravated assault and related counts, city police said in a release. Investigators have accused Burgos-Ortiz of a non-fatal shooting on the 900 block of Penn Street at about 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2.  Officials are still investigating the incident. Anyone with information should call Reading Police at 610-655-6116, or call the Berks County Crime Watch anonymous tip…
Anonymous Tipster Leads Police To Dead Body In Reading Anonymous Tipster Leads Police To Dead Body In Reading
Anonymous Tipster Leads Police To Dead Body In Reading Authorities are looking for answers after an anonymous caller led them to a dead body in a Reading park.  City police received a tip just before 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, that a man was dead beneath the Lindbergh Viaduct in Pendora Park on Reading's southeast side, the department told Daily Voice.  Responding officers said they located the body of a 56-year-old Latino man, whose identity they have not released. His cause of death is officially unknown, but police said they do not suspect foul play at this time.  The investigation is ongoing, the department added. &…
Head-On Crash Leaves Reading Passenger In Critical Condition Head-On Crash Leaves Reading Passenger In Critical Condition
Head-On Crash Leaves Reading Passenger In Critical Condition A passenger in Reading was hospitalized following a serious head-on crash in the early morning hours on Sunday, Jan. 8, authorities told Daily Voice.  The accident happened on Schuylkill Road between Avenue B and Lehigh Street at around 5:15 a.m., Reading police said.   Firefighters removed an adult male passenger from the wreckage and took him to the hospital, where he was placed in critical condition, the department said. No other injuries were reported.  The accident remains under investigation, officials added. 
Reading Officer Acquitted Of Manslaughter In 2018 On-Duty Shooting Of Unarmed Man Reading Officer Acquitted Of Manslaughter In 2018 On-Duty Shooting Of Unarmed Man
Reading Officer Acquitted Of Manslaughter In 2018 On-Duty Shooting Of Unarmed Man A jury acquitted a Reading police officer on Monday, Nov. 21, in the shooting death of a 43-year-old unarmed man while responding to reports of an assault in 2018. He is the first officer in nearly 30 years to face a jury for an on-duty killing.  Officer Erik Drauschke was charged with manslaughter in the killing of Alan Greenough. A caller told police that Greenough had attacked two people at a home attached to an East Coast Gas station on Feb. 3, 2018. Drauschke, who went to that call, responded to a similar call the night before at the same address against Greenough, t…
Reading Police Arrest 3 In Gun Trafficking Sting, Officials Say Reading Police Arrest 3 In Gun Trafficking Sting, Officials Say
Reading Police Arrest 3 In Gun Trafficking Sting, Officials Say Three adults are in custody and multiple weapons were seized following a gun trafficking sting in Berks County, according to authorities. Reading police executed two search warrants at homes on the 500 block of South 18th Street and the 1500 block of North 14th Street on Wednesday, Nov. 16, as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal gun running, the department said in a release.  Two men and a woman, all Reading residents, were charged in connection with the bust, officials said.  Eliam Torres-Villanueva, 21, left, and Vincent Campbell, 18, right, were arrested in Reading in conn…
Suspect Sought In Fatal Shooting Of Pottstown Man: Police Suspect Sought In Fatal Shooting Of Pottstown Man: Police
Suspect Sought In Fatal Shooting Of Pottstown Man: Police Police have identified the victim of a fatal shooting in Reading, and are now asking for the public's help in locating the suspect.  Jefferson Etienne, 38, of Pottstown, was shot dead on the 400 block of South 16th Street just before 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, authorities said.  Etienne was rushed to Reading hospital where he died, they added.  Investigators said they are charging Jabar Hill and Marc Lockman, both 24, with the killing.  Lockman was taken into custody Saturday a few blocks away from the scene of the shooting, police said. He was treated for a non-li…
Suspected Road Rage Shooter Arrested: Reading Police Suspected Road Rage Shooter Arrested: Reading Police
Suspected Road Rage Shooter Arrested: Reading Police The man who police say shot a teen in the face during a road rage incident in Berks County last month has been arrested, authorities announced.  Francisco Rivera, 41, was taken into custody in Lancaster County on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Reading police said in a release.  He's charged with attempted murder and related offenses in connection with a shooting on Oct. 28, officials said.  As Daily Voice has previously reported, Reading police were dispatched to a McDonald's on North Ninth Street just before 7 a.m. for a reported shooting. There, an 18-year-old victim said he'd…