On December 21, 2023, the Wyomissing Police Department managed a series of incidents that included a serious vehicle crash, thefts, and traffic violations throughout the day. The police responded to numerous calls, highlighting a challenging shift for officers in the area.
Vehicle Crash and Officer Injuries
One of the most critical incidents occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Chestnut Street near Fifth Avenue in West Reading. A marked police vehicle was struck by another car that allegedly ran a red light. Both vehicles were towed, and the officer involved was taken to Reading Hospital Medical Center for evaluation. The West Reading Police Department is handling the investigation into the crash.
Earlier that morning, officers assisted in another incident on Third Avenue, where a man reportedly pulled a knife on security personnel. Details on potential charges or injuries from this encounter were not disclosed.
Traffic Violations and Other Incidents
In the early hours, police attempted a traffic stop on Route 422 near North Wyomissing Boulevard after a vehicle fled at high speed. Citing safety concerns related to reckless driving, officers chose not to pursue the vehicle. Throughout the day, numerous traffic stops resulted in warnings and citations for offenses such as expired registration, lack of insurance, and driving without a license.
Additionally, officers investigated several burglar alarms across the borough, all of which were later determined to be false or canceled before police arrival. Other notable incidents included reports of suspicious vehicles, a hit-and-run involving a parked police vehicle in Reading, and an alleged theft of services on Woodland Road, where a man reportedly left a restaurant without paying after his payment card was declined.
As evening approached, police assisted Shillington and West Reading officers with domestic-related incidents. In Shillington, a male was taken into custody following a reported physical domestic dispute. Meanwhile, in West Reading, officers responded to a domestic disturbance at an apartment building where the involved male left voluntarily for the night.
In a separate incident on Crossing Drive, a juvenile was reportedly observed attempting to remove signs from a fallen street sign post. The young female was released to a parent at the scene.
Authorities have stated that all matters described remain allegations, emphasizing that any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The incident log reflects a total of 26 calls for service managed by the Wyomissing Police Department throughout the day, underscoring the demanding nature of the officers’ shift.
