In Berks County, Pennsylvania, a police chase involving 54-year-old Ryan Billings ended in an officer-involved shooting last week. The incident began on Thursday night (January 7) when Billings’ wife called 911, reporting that he had threatened self-harm and left their home with a rifle. Officers attempted to stop Billings, but he fled, leading police on a chase that concluded near Route 61 and Lake Shore Drive.
According to Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams, officers used a “pit maneuver” to stop Billings’ vehicle. During the standoff that followed, Billings allegedly pointed a rifle at officers, prompting them to open fire and strike him multiple times. Billings is expected to survive his injuries.
Billings was charged with multiple offenses, including nine counts each of assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment, as well as DUI and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer. Following his arraignment on Friday (January 8), Billings was held in Berks County Jail on $250,000 bail…