Reading police officer found dead from self-inflicted gunshot
SPRING TOWNSHIP, PA March 22 2019
A member of the Reading Police Department was found dead Sunday night of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot in Spring Township, Spring Police Chief Bryan Ross said Monday.
A Spring officer discovered the body of Christopher J. Mayer, 53, in his vehicle in the parking lot of Wilson Southern Middle School shortly after 8:30 p.m., Ross said.
The Berks County coroner’s office ruled his death a suicide.
Mayer of Spring Township was a member of the police force for 21 years. He was a criminal investigator with the department since 2006, serving for a time with the auto theft unit.
In an email statement, Reading Police Chief Andres Dominguez Jr. said the department was informed of the death late Sunday.
“This has been a shock to all of us and our prayers and concerns are with his family,” the statement reads. “The jurisdictional police department is investigating this incident and the RPD will provide support.
“Some family members have not been contacted, since they are out of town, and we will request that no names be provided until all family members have been contacted.
“Our prayers and support are with the officer’s family.”
Reading Eagle
