Central Berks Regional Police Officer Kristen Yeager died Friday evening after being involved in a crash while responding to a call for service in Earl Township, according to a statement released by the department.
Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 7:54 p.m. to the intersection of Manatawny Road and Shoemaker Road for a reported crash involving a police cruiser. Initial emergency dispatch reports indicated the vehicle had struck a tree.
According to emergency communications, Yeager suffered critical injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
Later Friday night, Central Berks Regional Police identified the officer as Yeager and confirmed that she died while responding to a call for service.
“Today, our department mourns the heartbreaking loss of Officer Kristen Yeager, who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a call for service on May 29, 2026,” the department said in a statement.
The department described Yeager as serving the community with “courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication,” adding that her commitment to fellow officers and the citizens she served “will never be forgotten.”
Road closures remained in place for several hours Friday night as investigators processed the scene. Route 73, also known as Philadelphia Avenue, was closed for an extended period while accident reconstruction was conducted.
Additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash have not yet been released. Police have not announced what call Yeager was responding to at the time of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.