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Press Releases


Press Releases from the City of Reading

City of Reading Police Department Makes Arrest in Early Morning Homicide


Reading, PA: On Sunday, August 2, Federico-Perez-Polanco2.pngat approximately 3:40 a.m., officers with the City of Reading Police Department responded to the 1400 block of North 5th Street for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a single victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Reading EMS.

Criminal Investigators with the City of Reading Police Department responded and, through their investigation, positively identified the suspect as 43-year-old Reading resident Federico Perez Polanco.


Investigators determined that after the shooting, the suspect fled to New Jersey and booked a flight to the Dominican Republic that was scheduled to depart on the evening of August 2.


A coordinated effort was launched involving the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Berks County District Attorney's Office, and the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey. As a result of that collaborative effort, Federico Perez Polanco was apprehended while waiting to board his flight.


Currently, he is awaiting extradition back to Pennsylvania to face charges of First-Degree Murder. As with all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Mayor Eddie Morán commended the swift work of law enforcement while expressing sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.


"I want to thank the members of the Reading Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners for their quick and coordinated efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect. While today's arrest is an important step toward justice, our hearts remain with the victim's family and loved ones as they cope with this unimaginable loss. They are in our thoughts during this difficult time."


The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to the homicide investigation is asked to contact the Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Alert Berks County's anonymous tip line at 1-877-373-9913. Crime Alert offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest.