Fleetwood man Shot by Police After High-Speed Chase and Standoff
Ontelaunee Township, PA – January 10, 2026 – A 54-year-old Fleetwood man, Ryan N.Billings, was shot and wounded by police early Friday morning following a vehicle pursuit and subsequent standoff on Route 61 in Berks County. Billings is expected to survive his injuries and is currently being held in Berks County Jail on multiple charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer and driving under the influence.
The Pursuit and Standoff
The incident began shortly before 7:00 PM Thursday evening when Billings’ wife contacted 911 requesting a welfare check. She reported that her husband had threatened self-harm via text message and had left their home on Pine Street armed wiht an AR-15-style rifle. Fleetwood police classified Billings as a missing and endangered person and obtained authorization to track his location using cellular tower pings. [1]
The initial ping placed Billings’ vehicle near Kutztown, prompting a response from Kutztown police. A traffic stop was attempted in the 2800 block of Moselem springs Road (Route 662) in richmond Township, but Billings failed to stop and continued north, eventually reaching Route 61 in Perry Township. He then made a U-turn and headed south on Route 61, leading to a pursuit joined by Pennsylvania State Police from the Hamburg station.
A state trooper successfully used a pursuit intervention maneuver to disable Billings’ vehicle. Despite the vehicle being stopped, Billings refused to comply with police orders to exit, repeatedly reaching for the rifle inside the car. he ultimately pointed the weapon out the driver’s side window, at which point multiple officers discharged their firearms, striking him shortly after midnight. Even after being wounded, Billings continued to resist, refusing to exit the vehicle until the arrival of the Berks County Emergency response Team (BCERT) around 2:45 AM. [3]
Charges Filed and Investigation
Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced that Billings has been charged with nine counts each of assault on a law enforcement officer,aggravated assault,and reckless endangerment,and also single counts of DUI and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer. He was arraigned before District Judge Brian K.Strand in Bern Township and is being held on $250,000 bail.
The incident is currently under investigation by both the Berks County detectives under District Attorney Adams’ purview and the Pennsylvania State Police. [3]
Evidence Recovered from Vehicle
A search of Billings’ vehicle revealed a second AR-15-style rifle along with the one he initially brandished during the standoff. Authorities also discovered open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle, contributing to the DUI charge. [2]
Route 61 Closure and Public Safety
The incident necessitated the closure of Route 61 in both directions between Route 73 and Snyder Road for nearly six hours, causing notable traffic disruptions in the area. Authorities worked to ensure public safety throughout the duration of the standoff and subsequent investigation.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities will continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the full sequence of events and ensure accountability. This incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of mental health resources for individuals in crisis.
