Patrolman Olin J. Wait

Patrolman Olin J. Wait

Reading Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, September 2, 1972

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Olin J. Wait

Patrolman Olin Wait succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two months earlier while providing security at a local event.

Patrolman Wait and two other officers were guarding the grounds of the Reading Air Show when a off duty officer opened fire on him without warning for unknown reasons. The suspect then opened fire on another officer before fatally shooting himself in the chest.

The off duty officer was attending the air show with his wife and child when he opened fire.

Patrolman Wait was a U.S Army veteran and had served with the Reading Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Friday, June 9, 1972
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Committed suicide

ambush, community event

Most Recent Reflection

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I was 15 years old at the time. My little brother and I were about 20 yards away and witnessed this shooting.. Sad day..

Major V Potts USAF RET
Witness

October 17, 2025

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