Council Looks To Honor Heroes

The city of Reading is working to make sure two Good Samaritans receive a grand thank you for their efforts.

Just over a week ago, a mall employee and a security guard helped police catch a man on the run.

Councilwoman Donna Reed says there are two gentlemen in Reading that really fill the description of heroes and she says now it's time to reward them.

Donna Reed is on a mission to make sure two good Samaritans get the thank you they deserve.

The fact that these gentleman went out of their comfort zone, made the effort and put themselves at risk to keep other people safe, that's what the definition of a hero is, said Reed.

It was August 14th when police spotted accused bank robber Algis Diaz, leaving the Berkshire Mall. But when police tried to catch him, Diaz took off running, heading straight for a mall cop and Rueben Rivera. Rivera was at work at the T- Mobile store when he joined in the chase.

I heard an officer screaming stop 'em, he said. It was a suspect. Natural instincts took over and I just tackled the suspect down to the ground.

Usually, when you have a tip that leads to the arrest and conviction of a criminal, there's a monetary reward.

Donna Reed, who also serves on the board for Crime Alert: Berks County, says she will be inquiring if the mall cop and Rivera will be eligible for some monetary thank you.

These gentlemen didn't have time to call in but they created the situation that put this gentleman in custody and may very well lead to a conviction, she said.

I'm just trying to help people out, you know trying to get a suspect off the streets.

At the next Crime Alert board meeting, councilwoman Donna Reed says she will be the discuss the possibility of a monetary reward for the mall cop and Reuben Rivera.