Reading Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Sunday, August 6, 2006
Add to My HeroesScott Alan Wertz
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. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 11 years
- Badge 045
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1,256 ReflectionsWishing you a Very Merry Christmas. Wondering if your ears were ringing today as Jared and I were reminiscing about past Christmas'. Wish u could be here and make this year a much happier & healthier 2020. Hope and pray 2021 will be a lot better starting in January. Still miss you.
love ya
Barb Schappell
mother-in-law
December 24, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Albanese
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: February 25, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Vicky James
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Tawiwo Obele
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021

Officer Genaro Guerrero
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 15, 2021

Chief of Police Tony M. Jordan
Middleburg Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 13, 2021

Lieutenant Frank Arnold
California Department of Developmental Services - Office of Protective Services, CA
EOW: January 22, 2021

Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of State Parks and Watercraft, OH
EOW: February 23, 2021

Lieutenant Eugene Lasco
Indiana Department of Correction, IN
EOW: February 21, 2021

Police Officer Horacio Dominguez
Miccosukee Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: February 21, 2021