BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — One person was shot and killed inside of a hotel in Reading early Sunday morning, according to police.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. at the DoubleTree hotel on Penn Street. Police said they found a victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen laying in a hallway on the first floor.
The man was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Police say they located Hamlet Vargas, the suspected gunman, inside of the hotel and took him into custody
Vargas, 46, of Fairfield, Ohio, has been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault and other offenses.
Police said Vargas was in possession of a Ruger LCP handgun when he was detained. According to witnesses and surveillance footage, Vargas was part of an altercation with several individuals in the hallway, when he pulled the gun and fired once.
During an interview with police, Vargas said he was carrying the gun for protection and was “in fear for his life” at the time, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Vargas was denied bail and is staying in Berks County Prison. He is awaiting his preliminary hearing, according to online court documents.
Reading Mayor Eddie Morán extended his condolences to the victim’s family in a statement released Sunday.
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“This was a tragic and isolated incident and does not reflect the safe environment and strong service the DoubleTree consistently provides,” Morán said in the statement. “Our focus remains on the safety of our community.”