Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for a man believed to be armed and dangerous following a domestic-related shooting incident that triggered a temporary lockdown near Alvernia University main campus Thursday morning.
According to authorities, the incident occurred in Kenhorst Borough, which is patrolled by the Reading Police Department. Several area schools, including Alvernia University, were placed on lockdown around 9:40 a.m. as officers responded to the scene.
At 10:05 a.m., Reading Police released a statement confirming they were investigating an active shooter near the university. The suspect had reportedly fired shots at a home and vehicle during a domestic dispute. No injuries were reported.
Throughout the morning, police attempted to contact the suspect by phone. A source with knowledge of the situation told Berks Weekly that police were in contact with the suspect and he indicated he was considering self-harm, but authorities were unable to locate him despite using phone tracking.
The lockdowns were lifted around 11:30 a.m., after police determined there was no longer an active threat in the vicinity of the initial scene.
Search efforts expanded throughout the day. Officers were seen along the Schuylkill River Trail near Route 10, using K-9 units to comb wooded areas. By early afternoon, a heavy police presence was visible along Route 724 in Robeson Township. A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter was also observed circling over Nolde Forest, Flying Hills, and parts of southwest Reading.
Authorities now describe the situation as a broad search rather than a concentrated manhunt, though they continue to treat the suspect as a significant threat.
Berks County District Attorney John Adams confirmed that the suspect fired approximately 12 to 13 rounds at a vehicle driven by a woman believed to be his girlfriend during the domestic incident near Jackson Street and Highwood Avenue in Kenhorst.
“We are just very lucky that she was not struck,” Adams said.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Axel Caraballo-Morales, is believed to still be armed. Adams said Caraballo-Morales is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his criminal history. The gun he is believed to have—a Glock—has reportedly been modified to function as a machine gun.
“We believe this individual is armed and dangerous, for certain,” Adams said. “If anyone sees him, they should call 911 immediately.”
While law enforcement did not disclose the specific areas currently being searched, Adams said they believe Caraballo-Morales remains within Berks County.
Caraballo-Morales is described as a Hispanic male last seen wearing a red Phillies baseball cap, black jacket, and gray pants. Authorities believe he is traveling on foot.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 911. The investigation remains active.
