READING, Pa. – A deadly shooting in the heart of Reading on a busy weekend night is now raising concerns about public safety as the city prepares for more events and larger crowds this season.
Police say the incident happened late Saturday night following a concert at the Santander Arena, when an altercation inside the DoubleTree Hotel escalated into gunfire.
As concerns grow, police say they are aware of what the community is feeling. When asked about safety, officials pointed to increased patrols already in place that night.
Officials confirm a homicide occurred Monday night on the 100 block of Muhlenberg Street in Reading.
“That night, first holiday weekend, and such, we also had additional officers out patrolling different areas of the city, focusing on potential after-hours parties and issues and things like that,” said Capt. Cheryl Pentheny of the Reading Police Department.
According to the criminal complaint, the suspect, identified as Hamlet Vargas, of Ohio, left the hotel during the altercation, went to his car in the parking garage, and returned with a firearm.
“Had gone to his car, retrieved a firearm, came back, and then fired a shot,” Pentheny said.
Moments later, police say Vargas opened fire, killing 57-year-old Jorge Luis Ocasio-Ortiz, of Reading. Authorities say the victim was not involved in the altercation.
“Local male, who was just hanging out at the hotel, had nothing to do with anything. He was actually an innocent victim in all this,” Pentheny added.
Police emphasized the shooting appears to be an isolated incident.
Police say Vargas was taken into custody at the scene and now faces multiple charges, including first- and third-degree murder.
In a statement, DoubleTree officials said they are “heartbroken” by the incident and emphasized safety moving forward.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic incident. The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing our security protocols.”
Police continue to investigate and say they will maintain a visible presence across the city as more events take place in the coming months.