EARL TWP., PA — A Central Berks Regional police officer was killed Friday night after her patrol vehicle crashed while she was responding to a call for service in Earl Township, Pennsylvania. Authorities identified the officer as 42-year-old Kristen Yeager.
Pennsylvania State Police said Yeager was driving on Route 73 with her lights and sirens activated around 7:50 p.m. when the vehicle left the roadway, entered a ditch and hit a tree near Manatawny Road.
Troopers Say Yeager Was Ejected And Later Died At A Hospital
Officials said Yeager was ejected from the vehicle in the crash. She was taken to an area hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to authorities. The Central Berks Regional Police Department said Yeager had been responding to assist a neighboring department at the time.
Department Leaders Describe A Three-Year Officer Remembered For Compassion
Central Berks Regional Police said Yeager had served with the department for nearly three years. In a statement, the agency said she answered calls with courage, compassion and dedication.
Police Chief Justin Johnson called Yeager a devoted officer and a caring person, and said the department and community were deeply shaken by her death.
Tributes Grow Across The Community As Flags Are Ordered Half-Staff
Mount Penn Fire Department Chief John Theodossiou said Yeager had long wanted to become a police officer and took the work seriously. On Saturday, the fire department placed black and purple bunting outside the police station, and those same colors were displayed on a cruiser covered with flowers in her honor.
Officials said Yeager is survived by her husband and three children. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags flown at half-staff in her memory.
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