Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Charles Finn was shot and killed while chasing three men he caught burglarizing a grain store near the intersection of Ninth Street and Franklin Street at 2:30 a.m. When he witnessed the suspects fleeing from the flour and feed store of Strunk & Moyer, he began to chase the three men when one suddenly turned and shot him in the abdomen with a revolver. Patrolman Finn succumbed to his wound 11 hours later. The suspect was later apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Patrolman Finn had served with the Reading Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-0EA79CFA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Finn gave the Reading Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Reading community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Finn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles F. Finn is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Reading Police Department, 5 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles F. Finn's cause is highlighted.
How Charles F. Finn Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles F. Finn is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles F. Finn was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Reading Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
