LODD Reading PA police officer

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Police Officer Scott A. Wertz

Reading Police Department

Pennsylvania

End of Watch: Sunday, August 6, 2006

Biographical Info

Age: 40

Tour of Duty: 9 years

Badge Number: 045

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Date of Incident: Sunday, August 6, 2006

Weapon Used: Handgun

Suspect Info: Apprehended

Officer Wertz was shot and killed at approximately 2:00 am after he and his partner responded to a fight at a local convenience store at the intersection of 8th Street and Walnut Street.

Officer Wertz and his partner were working a plainclothes regional auto theft detail when the call was broadcast and responded to the scene. When they arrived at the location, they heard several shots in the parking lot and saw a man leaving the lot.

As the officers approached the man he began to flee on foot. As Officer Wertz caught the suspect the man suddenly fired two shots, fatally striking him in the chest. Officer Wertz's partner immediately tackled the suspect and took him into custody.

Officer Wertz had served with the agency for 9 years. He had previously worked as a prison guard and part time as an officer for the Sinking Spring and South Heidelberg Township Police Departments. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Agency Contact Information

Reading Police Department

815 Washington Street

Reading, PA 19601

Phone: (610) 655-6241

* Please contact the agency for funeral information

Edited August 8, 2006 by lad12derff