A teenager police say was linked to the armed robbery of a Womelsdorf bank was found dead inside his home when police arrived to serve a search warrant at the residence Wednesday afternoon.
According to State Police, troopers arrived to the residence on Tulpehocken Forge Road in Heidelberg Township near Birdsfoot Drive Wednesday afternoon to serve a search warrant in reference to the armed robbery that took place Tuesday at the Fulton Bank in Womelsdorf.
Upon arrival, troopers say they heard a gunshot from within the residence. The Pennsylvania State Police SERT team was then activated and responded to the incident.
Entry was made into the residence Wednesday evening and a male juvenile was located deceased in the residence. The cause and manner of death was ruled a suicide by the Berks County Coroner’s office.
Police later confirmed the deceased male was linked to the armed robbery at the Fulton Bank in Womelsdorf.
On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, investigators say the suspect entered the Fulton Bank at 2400 Conrad Weiser Parkway in Womelsdorf at approximately 3:50pm and brandished a 30-30 lever action rifle in his right hand and a camoflouge backpack in his left.
The suspect approached a Bank Teller, demanded money, canvassed the inside of the bank and discharged a single shot in the direction of Bank Teller. The suspect then fled the bank in a Silver Chevrolet Impala. The Impala traveled eastbound on Route 422.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Troop-L Reading Criminal Investigation Trooper Bradley C. SMITH, 610-378-4011. Reference PA2023-72879
Conrad Weiser School District released a statement Wednesday night:
“The Conrad Weiser community experienced a sudden and unexpected loss today. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and understand that this may be hard for our community to process. The CWASD counseling staff and Berks County Flight Team will work collaboratively to offer additional support and assistance this week at the high school. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends directly impacted. Additional Resources available: ruokberks.com, parentguidance.org, safe2saypa.org, 988lifeline.org”
