Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams has determined that the officer-involved shooting that happened in a home on Butlers Lane in Mohnton was justified.
On March 30, 2022, the Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives were notified that a uniformed Brecknock Township Police Officer was involved in a shooting. Berks County Detectives assumed the lead role in this Officer Involved Shooting pursuant to District Attorney John T. Adams’ protocol to have an independent agency investigate police officer shootings.
Around 7:45am, a 911 call was placed by a family member to report that a man in the home was having a mental health crisis. As a result of the call, police and EMS personnel responded to the area of Butlers Lane, Mohnton to investigate.
Upon locating the man, identified as 67-year-old Robert R. Eckert, investigators say EMS and police observed that he was holding a large knife in his hand. The officer gave verbal commands to drop the knife, however they say Eckert ignored the commands and advanced towards the officer. The officer deployed a taser which was ineffective.
Investigators say additional commands were given to Eckert to put the knife down. Subsequently, the officer fired one shot with their service weapon which struck him in the torso area.
EMS personnel immediately administered first aid and life saving measures. Eckert was transported to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
After a thorough review of this investigation, District Attorney John T. Adams has determined that the shooting was a reasonable use of force justified under the law.
The Berks County Detectives have charged Robert Eckert with three counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Possessing Instruments of Crime.
Eckert was arraigned Wednesday afternoon before M.D.J. David E. Glass, Birdsboro, PA.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant Robert R. Eckert, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
