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Incident
Police Officer Scott 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 and Walnut Streets.
Officer Wertz and his partner were working a plainclothes regional auto theft detail when the call was broadcast and they 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. When Officer Wertz caught the man, he suddenly fired two shots, fatally striking Officer Wertz in the chest. Officer Wertz's partner immediately tackled the suspect and took him into custody.
The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
Officer Wertz had served with the Reading Police Department for 11 years. He had previously worked as a prison guard and as a part-time officer for the Sinking Spring Borough Police Department and the South Heidelberg Township Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Police Officer Wertz gave the Reading Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Reading community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Wertz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Reading Police Department has lost 9 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Scott is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Scott is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Scott is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2006, 1 officer at Reading Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2006, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 2006, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2006, 79 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Scott was 40. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Reading Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 47; the middle age was 40. Scott had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Scott was 40. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Scott had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Scott was 40. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Scott had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Scott was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Scott had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 20% of these deaths at Reading Police Department; September holds the most, 40%. Sundays: 20%.
August holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 55.6% of all 9 deaths at Reading Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Reading Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Scott among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Reading Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
