2 weeks Ago By Reading Eagle, Pa.
A Reading man was shot by his neighbor who was stabbed in the abdomen when the two fought after a dispute over a car blocking a driveway, city police said. The man who was shot, Jerry C. Santos, 32, of the 900 block of Union Street was charged with aggravated assault and related and simple assault after the altercation Wednesday evening.
Following his discharge from Reading Hospital, where he was treated for a leg wound, he was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail to await a hearing after arraignment Thursday night before District Judge Priscilla Campos in Reading Central Court. The shooter, whom police described as the victim, underwent surgery for a puncture wound in the hospital trauma center. He has not been charged.
According to investigators: Santos was dropped off by an acquaintance who briefly parked his car in front of the victim’s driveway. The victim said he came out of his home to complain about the vehicle blocking his driveway and that the two men came at him with their arms raised. Santos and the victim exchanged punches.
The victim said he felt something metal hit his arm. The victim fell down, and as he went to get up, Santos lunged at his stomach. He felt a sharp instrument pierce his abdomen.
Fearing for his life, he drew his handgun from his waistband and fired at Santos. He heard Santos yell, “You got me,” as Santos ran down the alley near his home. The acquaintance drove off.
A short time after police were called, they learned from Reading Hospital that Santos had arrived there by private vehicle for treatment of a gunshot wound. When police talked to Santos at the hospital, he admitted that he and his neighbor exchanged blows before the shooting, but did not mention a blow involving a knife or sharp instrument..
