Shooter took his own life after rolling domestic incident in northern Berks, DA says [Update]

Jul. 17—A central Pennsylvania man fired gunshots into another vehicle during a domestic-related chase in Ontelaunee Township, wounding a Maidencreek Township woman before taking his own life after both vehicles crashed, Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said Monday.

Larry L. Bidelspach III, 38, of Mifflinburg, Union County, fatally shot himself in his vehicle as police officers approached Sunday, Adams said.

The victim, a 36-year-old woman, was shot in the head and shoulder area. She was taken to Reading Hospital, where she underwent surgery and is expected to survive, Adams said.

The events unfolded about 5:30 p.m. with a domestic disturbance at the victim's residence in the Blandon area.

Based on information provided by county detectives and Northern Berks Regional police, Adams provided this account:

The woman fled her residence in her vehicle and was followed by Bidelspach, who got into his own vehicle. The victim drove south on Route 222 and turned right onto Snyder Road.

Bidelspach overtook the victim's car in the 300 block of Snyder about 5:40 p.m. and fired numerous rounds from a handgun into her vehicle.

Despite her wounds, the woman fled to Route 61, turning right to head north.

Bidelspach resumed his pursuit. Both vehicles were traveling at a high speed and both drivers lost control while turning right onto Route 73. They lost control of their vehicles and crashed into parked vehicles on the lot of the Leesport Diner.

Moments later, Northern Berks Regional police arrived at the scene to try to render aid to the victim and perpetrator.

As officers approached Bidelspach's vehicle, he shot himself with the handgun. He was later pronounced dead by a deputy with the county coroner's office.

The Berks County Forensic Services Unit responded and processed the shooting scene along Snyder Road and the crash location.

County detectives also arrived to assist police in the investigation.

Adams said it was fortunate that no one else was injured by Bidelspach's gunfire and the high-speed pursuit of the victim.

It was the second domestic-related incident in northern Berks in nine days.

On July 7, Winifred Boakye, 33, was strangled to death in her Richmond Township home, investigators said.

Harrison Adu Boakye, 46, of the same address, was arrested and charged with first- and third-degree murder and strangulation. He's being held in Berks County Prison without bail to await a hearing.

Where to find help

Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know are in immediate danger.

To seek the help of an advocate or to contact Safe Berks, call the 24-hour hotline, 844-789-SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121.

Safe Berks provides free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day. All services are available in English and Spanish, and translation will be used for any other language needed.