Man shot by police faces trial for attempted murder
The Robeson Township man shot by police after he pointed a gun at a township patrolman was held for court Tuesday on attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and related offenses.
Stephen D. Shank, 53, of the first block of Lloyd
Lane, was returned to Berks County Prison after a preliminary hearing before Birdsboro District Judge Robert E. Glass. Glass continued Shank’s bail at $500,000 cash, and Shank was unable to post the amount, according to court records.
Shank was shot in the chest during a confrontation with the officer outside Shank’s residence the night of Dec. 17.
According to court papers: Police were dispatched after a 9-1-1 call by a neighbor who reported that Shank was loud and threatening.
The officer, whose name has not been released, arrived at 8:47 p.m. and met with the 9-1-1 caller in the caller’s residence. While talking to the caller, the officer heard a gunshot outside.
He went outside to investigate, and as he rounded the building, the officer heard a man saying he would kill the officer if he came outside. The officer shone his flashlight on the man, who was Shank, and noticed he was leveling a rifle at him.
The officer immediately fired his duty pistol at Shank while seeking cover. He heard Shank say he was shot.
The officer radioed that shots were fired and requested backup. He lost sight of Shank in the meantime.
As other officers arrived and tried to contact Shank, they learned he had retreated to his second-floor apartment.
Police requested assistance from Berks County Emergency Response Team, consisting of officers specially trained in standoffs with barricaded or armed persons.
Neighbors were ordered to stay in their homes. Some reported hearing negotiations via loudspeaker.
Shank was eventually taken into custody inside the bedroom of his apartment. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for the minor gunshot wound before being arraigned in Reading Central Court. He was committed to the county prison to await further court action.