PA Fire Station, Pedestrian Struck by Gunfire

Gunfire erupted in the 600 block of Franklin Street late Sunday, hitting a pedestrian, a moving car and two public buildings, including an office window of a Reading Fire Department station, city police said Monday.

A 32-year-old woman was taken to Reading Hospital by ambulance after she was struck in the biceps as she was walking on the sidewalk.

“We believe the pedestrian was just an innocent person down the street,” said Capt. Cheryl Pentheny of the investigations division. “We’re glad she wasn’t injured any more than she was.”

Police recovered several spent bullet casings from the street. Investigators are trying to figure out a motive for the gunfire about 11:10 p.m., Pentheny said.

Although the shooting victim is expected to survive her wound, police said, the shooter or shooters could have easily killed her and a motorist traveling east on Franklin Street. A bullet went through the windshield without hitting anyone.

Another round sailed through the window of the fire lieutenant’s office above the fire bays at the station at Franklin and Plum streets, police said. No one was hit, but the office was reportedly occupied at the time.

Another round struck a BARTA parking garage.

Pentheny said police are seeking tips to help them identify a suspect.

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