Update: Berks District Attorney clears Reading Police Officer in fatal shooting incident
Original post: A police officer killed a man early Monday morning after he ignored commands and moved towards officers with a knife, according a statement by the Reading Police Department.
The incident occurred March 25, 2024, at approximately 3:37 AM when two members of the Reading Police Department’s Patrol Unit were dispatched to the 400 block of Windsor Street for the report of a suicidal man armed with a knife.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, which assumed the lead investigative role, the two uniformed officers met the complainant at the front door of the residence. Within seconds, a man appeared from inside the home and quickly advanced towards officers while holding a large knife. He ignored the repeated commands by the officers to drop the weapon. As he came within feet of the officers, one of the officers discharged their duty weapon, striking him.
The man, later identified as 50-year-old Damon S. Stern, was transported to Reading Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
No police officers were injured during this incident.
The Reading Police Department says they have no further comment at this time. Berks County Detectives continue the ongoing investigation.
