Suspect sought in robbery, kidnapping
In what police said was a crime of opportunity, a man was robbed Monday at a convenience store just outside Boyertown and forced to drive his assailant to Philadelphia.
The suspect, Rodney Moyer, 45, no permanent address, has lived in the Boyertown area and has a known drug history, Eastern Berks Regional police Chief Barry Leatherman said Tuesday.
Moyer probably chose the victim at random and committed the crime as a means to get money and transportation so he could get drugs in Philadelphia, the chief said.
“We believe this was a random and isolated incident,” Leatherman said, adding that Moyer did not know his victim.
Moyer is wanted by Eastern
Berks police on charges of robbery, kidnapping to facilitate a felony, unlawful restraint and related counts.
Leatherman provided this account:
Just before 8:30 p.m., police were dispatched to the Circle K store at Montgomery and Reading avenues in Colebrookdale Township.
The victim reported he was approached in the parking lot by a man, later identified as Moyer, who indicated he had a gun but did not display a weapon. The victim was directed to go into the store and withdraw money from the ATM.
Moyer told the victim that if he didn’t comply, Moyer would shoot him and others in the vicinity. He also told the victim that he would need to drive him to Philadelphia after withdrawing the money.
Moyer followed the victim into the store and stood by him while he withdrew the money.
The victim drove the suspect to Philadelphia. During the trip, he was forced to stop at another ATM and withdraw more money.
Upon arriving at an unspecified location in Philadelphia, Moyer exited the vehicle and walked away. The victim then contacted police.
Through an investigation, police identified Moyer as the suspect.
Leatherman said the victim complied with Moyer’s demands because he felt it was the best way to get through the situation without anyone getting hurt.
Anyone who witnessed any part of the incident or who knows Moyer’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 610-369-3050. Tips also be made via Crime Alert Berks County’s anonymous tip line, 877373-9913, or by texting keyword “alert berks,” to 847411 followed by the tip. Crime Alert will pay a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.