READING, Pa. – Authorities say a 22-year-old Reading man is dead following a police pursuit that led officers in and out of the city on Monday.
The Berks County coroner has identified the driver as Luis Antonio Cruz Hernandez.
According to the investigation, Reading police attempted to stop Hernandez for a traffic violation and excessive speed when he led city officers on a chase around the city.
During the pursuit, the motorcycle traveled to the intersection of North 9th Street and Green Street, where it collided with a 2017 Acura SUV, the coroner says.
Hernandez was transported to Reading Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:41 p.m. Monday, the coroner says.
“The motorcyclist was tossed from the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries,” said District Attorney John Adams.
Adams says the driver was being pulled over for multiple vehicle violations, but then took off.
“He was driving in a manner that was unsafe for not only himself but also for the public and the police officer,” he says.
“I’m seeing too often that individuals are taking off. Pursuits are taking place, and these pursuits generally don’t turn out very well for anyone,” Adams said.
“I think we’ve seen too many motorcycles in the city that disregard basic traffic laws,” he added.
The Berks County DA says police were well within their rights for how the events unfolded Monday night.
“I do not know at this point if he had outstanding warrants, or if he had a license. I don’t know if he was licensed. This was a simple traffic stop,” Adams said.
“Very sad for that individual. Very sad for that family. Respect the law. When they signal for you to turn over please pull over,” he added.
An autopsy was conducted on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Reading Hospital.
The Berks County coroner says Hernandez’s cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was ruled accidental.