Berks County police officer killed in crash while responding to call

EARL TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A Central Berks Regional police officer was killed in a crash Friday night while responding to a call for service in Earl Township, Pennsylvania.

The officer has been identified as 42-year-old Kristen Yeager.

Pennsylvania State Police said Yeager was driving on Route 73 with lights and sirens activated around 7:50 p.m. when her police vehicle left the roadway, entered a ditch and struck a tree near Manatawny Road.

Authorities said Yeager was ejected from the vehicle. She was taken to an area hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Police Chief Justin Johnson described Yeager as a dedicated officer and a compassionate person.

"A good mother. A good wife. A good human being and we're going to miss her," Johnson said.

The chief said the department and community are grieving deeply in the aftermath of her death.

"We're really grieving tremendously for her husband, her three children, and our officers and the community as well," Johnson said. "There's no blueprint. There's no real way to walk through this. It's just giving everybody anything they need."

Chopper 6 was over the scene as emergency crews flooded the scene. Video showed the damaged police vehicle in a wooded area, where it was removed just before midnight.

The Central Berks Regional Police Department said Yeager had been responding to assist a neighboring department at the time of the crash.

Further details on the crash remain under investigation.

In a statement, the department remembered Yeager's service and dedication.

"Officer Yeager served our community with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. She answered the call to protect and serve each day, placing the safety of others above her own," the department said in a statement early Saturday morning.

The department said Yeager had been with Central Berks Regional Police for nearly three years.

Colleagues and local officials said her commitment to public service extended beyond her role as a police officer. Chief John Theodossiou of the Mount Penn Fire Department said Yeager had long aspired to the profession.

"It was her dream to be a police officer and she took her job very seriously," Theodossiou said. "She was not one of those police officers who just came to work and clocked in, she was a police officer who came to work and put her time into the community."

On Saturday, the fire department hung black and purple bunting outside the police station to honor Yeager. The same colors were placed on a police cruiser covered with flowers in tribute.

"She was one of us and that's how we treat each other," Theodossiou said.

Officials noted Yeager's strong ties to the local firefighting community.

Her father, Kenny Houck - a lifetime member of the Exeter Fire Department - died last month. Those who knew the family said their dedication to service was widely recognized.

Mount Penn Borough Council President Rick Lombardo said residents are coming together to honor Yeager's life.

"Our community is together to mourn and celebrate the life of Kristen," Lombardo said.

As tributes continue, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in her honor.

She is survived by her family, including her husband and three children.

"Officer Yeager was a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated officer, and cherished friend whose impact extended far beyond her service to the community. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and compassion that has already been shown," the department said.