Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Man Crushed by Bulldozer During Suspect Search in Berks County

A suspect was crushed by a bulldozer during a search Monday in Berks County.

According to Pennsylvanis State Police Troop L Public Information Officer Trooper David Beohm, a PA Game Commission employee was operating a bulldozer in the area of Snyder School Road and South Garfield Road, Penn Township, Berks County around 10:00 AM, Monday, when he saw a car parked well off the road in a field.

State Police say Bernville Borough police were first to respond to the location and shortly after arriving on location two males came out of the very thick underbrush.

Both males fled on foot with one being taken into custody by the Bernville Police Chief.

The second male eluded capture at that time, when the State Police and PA Game Commission resources were sent to this area around 11:00 AM.

This included a State Police Helicopter, patrol members, and vice unit members.

The second male was briefly located by the PSP helicopter in thick underbrush.

An attempt to hail the other male was unsuccessful. The helicopter lost site of the male and was giving directions to the bulldozer of his last location. The Game Commission employee and a Trooper were on the bulldozer driving through the thick underbrush when they stopped in the underbrush. The second male was located under the rear of the bulldozer deceased.

The male taken into custody, identified as David Brook Light, 54, of Sinking Spring Pa, was charged with various drug offenses and trespassing, arraigned Monday evening, and released on $25,000.00 unsecured bail.

The second male, the fatal victim, was identified as Gregory A Longenecker, 51, of Reading.  An autopsy is scheduled for later Tuesday.

Also assisting at the scene were th Mt Pleasant and Bernville Fire Companies, Western Berks EMS, Lower Heidelberg Township and Bernville Boro Police Department.