Reading police officer found to have acted justifiably in fatal shooting of suspect

Apr. 18—A Reading police officer was justified in his actions when he fatally shot a knife-wielding suspect last month, according to an investigation by the Berks County District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney John T. Adams announced Thursday that the officer, who has not been named, engaged in a reasonable act of self-defense and defense of another when he fatally shot Damon S. Stern.

"As a result, the officer will not be charged with any criminal offenses in connection with the incident that day," a statement from Adams read.

The district attorney's office investigates all officer-involved shootings in the county.

According to the district attorney's office:

Two Reading police officers were called to the 400 block of Windsor Street just after 3:30 a.m. on March 25 for a report of a suicidal man armed with a knife.

When the officers arrived, they met the person who had called in the report at the front door of a home. While standing on the front porch speaking to that person, Stern walked out of the house and toward the officers and the person.

Stern was holding a large knife in his hand as he approached, raising it to the level of his head and pointing it at the officers.

One of the officers drew his handgun and repeatedly told Stern to drop the knife. Stern ignored the commands and kept walking toward the officers and the person.

As Stern came within feet of the three, the officer fired his weapon, striking Stern four times in his upper body.

"This officer was not only in fear for his life, but also the lives of the other officer and the complainant," the DA's statement said.

After Stern was shot, the officers immediately called for an ambulance and began providing Stern with emergency medical treatment. Stern was taken by ambulance to Reading Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.

No police officers were injured.