READING – Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department successfully and safely de-escalated a dangerous situation involving an individual with a knife threatening to harm themselves.

On Sunday, Oct. 27, at about 1:25 p.m., Reading Police were dispatched to a home on South Street for reports of an individual who was experiencing a behavior health crisis. 

Upon arrival at the scene, Reading Police officers heard arguing coming from upstairs. Officers located the individual, who was in possession of a knife. The individual then held the knife to their throat and repeatedly asked officers to shoot them. 

Given that the individual posed a safety threat to themselves and others, Reading Police officers quickly used their professional training to de-escalate the situation, negotiating with the individual, and were able to safely take the knife away from them within a minute of the initial interaction.

While attempting to remove the individual from the home, they become combative with officers. However, officers remained diligent and were able to safely remove them from the home without further incident. 

No one was injured.

The individual was transported by the Reading Fire Department to an area hospital and is being connected with the appropriate resources and mental health agencies.

“I would like to commend Officers Joshua Graciale and Brian Catanzano for acting with great professionalism and compassion in a situation that could have had a tragic outcome,” said Chief Clark. “In a high-pressure situation, these officers were able to quickly turn to their training and ensure that nobody was seriously injured. I am proud to have officers such as them serving the Reading community.”