A Laureldale Police Officer fired shots at a Reading man Sunday morning after he pointed a handgun at the officer during a short foot chase, according to authorities.
During the early morning hours of Sunday, April 14, 2024, Laureldale Police Officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Frush Valley Road on three separate occasions for the report of a disorderly male. Police identified the male as 45-year-old Angel Deleon of Reading, Pennsylvania.
According to an investigation conducted by Berks County Detectives, at approximately 8:25am, a Laureldale Police Officer located Deleon walking along Rosedale Avenue, just south of Margaret Street. The officer approached him and told him to stop, he refused to comply with the officer’s commands. Deleon entered an alleyway located west of Rosedale Avenue and ran from the officer.
As the officer followed, Deleon turned and pointed a handgun at the officer. The officer drew his duty weapon and fired two rounds at Deleon. Deleon dropped his weapon and was taken into custody by the officer. The loaded handgun in Deleon’s possession was recovered at the scene.
Deleon was transported to the Reading Hospital where he was treated and released for a minor facial abrasion which is believed to have been caused when he was taken to the ground and handcuffed.
He was later transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Central Processing Center where he was arraigned by MDJ Dean Patton. His bail was set at $200,000 secured. He is currently incarcerated at Berks County Jail.
The police officer involved in this incident sustained a laceration to his hand but refused medical treatment.
Deleon has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault, one count of Simple Assault and one count of Terroristic Threats.
The investigation into this incident by the Berks County Detectives is ongoing.
A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident may submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County by either calling (877) 373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS app on your mobile device, or via text message using your mobile phone and typing ALERTBERKS along with your tip to 847411.
