The family of Damon Stern, a man shot and killed by Reading police in March, is planning to file a lawsuit seeking justice for his death. Stern, a 50-year-old Air Force veteran and father of six, was fatally shot by an officer during a mental health call after he allegedly refused commands to drop a knife. The incident occurred in the 400 block of Windsor Street, Reading, on March 25, 2024.
The Berks County District Attorney's Office ruled the shooting justified in April, stating that the officer's action was a reasonable act of self-defense and defense of another. According to WFMZ, Stern allegedly advanced towards officers holding a large knife in his right hand, ignoring commands to drop the weapon. As he came within feet of police, the officer discharged his handgun, striking Stern four times. Stern died shortly after arriving at Reading Hospital.
However, Stern's family disputes the District Attorney's account of the incident. They argue that Stern was in his own home, committed no crime, and was listening to music on headphones when the police arrived. They believe that Stern could not hear police commands due to his headphones and could not see the police due to bright lights. The family plans to release the footage of the body camera worn by police during the shooting at a press conference, as reported by Daily Voice.
The lawsuit comes amidst an outcry for justice and accountability in Stern's death, with protests held outside the courthouse in April. The family's legal team argues that Stern and his wife needed a trained, professional, and compassionate response, not "four shots to center mass stopping the threat."