An attempted catalytic converter theft turned into a car chase and ended with an officer shooting one man in Reading on Thursday morning, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.
The driver of the vehicle, Tyvan Barnett, was shot in the leg by an unidentified officer as he drove toward police, according to a statement from the prosecutor on Facebook. Barnett was treated at Tower Health – Reading Hospital for his wound.
Authorities said they responded to multiple calls about three males allegedly attempting to steal catalytic converters from vehicles parked near the 2000 block of South Fifth Street in Reading.
When police arrived at the scene, according to the DA, the three suspects drove away in a black Honda Accord and a pursuit ensued.
Police reportedly followed the vehicle through Reading City, before entering westbound Route 422 and then onto eastbound Route 12. The vehicle later exited Route 12 at the River Road Exit where it came to a stop after entering a dead-end roadway, according to police.
“As officers exited their marked vehicle and gave verbal commands, the occupants of this vehicle failed to comply with the commands and sped towards one of the officers,” District Attorney John T. Adams’ office stated. “One officer discharged their duty weapon at this vehicle.”
Authorities said the vehicle then sped toward the officers, hitting one of the police vehicles before stopping along the 4000 block of River Road in Muhlenberg Township where two occupants were taken into custody and medical help was summoned for Barnett.
Barnett faces charges of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, criminal attempt to commit theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
A passenger in the vehicle was taken to Berks County Central Booking to await a preliminary arraignment on charges of criminal attempt to commit theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
The Reading Eagle and WFMZ-TV 69 identified Barnett and the passenger as both being from Allentown.
A third unidentified passenger who sat in the front seat was able to flee officers on foot, investigators said. Police said that passenger’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Police are requesting anyone with any information regarding the incident to contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County by either calling 877-373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS app on your mobile device, or via text message using your mobile phone and typing ALERTBERKS along with your tip to 847411.
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Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_ on Twitter.
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