Police seek information in hit-and-run crash that damaged gas line at local business

July 13, 2025 - 06:31 PM - Berks Weekly

South Heidelberg Township Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a tractor trailer that caused damage to a local business and resulted in a gas leak.

According to police, the incident occurred around 2:23 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at Hollywood Cleaners, located at 4700 Penn Avenue. A white tractor trailer truck marked with the word “Ryder” reportedly entered the business parking lot in an attempt to turn around.

While maneuvering behind the building, the truck struck a gas meter, multiple protective poles, and the rear corner of the building. The driver then left the scene without notifying the business or authorities, police said.

The collision caused a break in the gas line at the meter, which went undetected for approximately two hours before being discovered.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from area businesses but were unable to obtain a license plate number for the truck.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle to contact Officer Baxter at bbaxter@sheidpd.org or by calling 610-670-9885. Callers are asked to reference case number 45-25-02639.

The vehicle may have been traveling westbound on Penn Avenue through Sinking Spring between 2:00 and 2:23 p.m., or eastbound between 2:23 and 3:00 p.m. on the same route. The case remains under investigation.