LANCASTER, Pa. — A Middletown man was arrested Tuesday night after a violent incident at Calm Spa in Penn Township led to an officer-involved shooting. Christopher Rivera was taken into custody on charges including robbery and multiple counts of rape.
The incident occurred on August 27 at approximately 8:17 p.m., when officers from the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department (NLCRPD) were dispatched to the Calm Spa, located in the Penn Town Shopping Center on the 1200 block of Lancaster Road, for a reported “burglary in progress.” Upon arrival, officers were met by two female employees who reported the crime.
As officers entered the front of the business, they observed a male suspect running toward the rear of the establishment. The suspect, later identified as Rivera, exited through the back door where he encountered additional NLCRPD officers. Preliminary footage from body-worn cameras shows Rivera ignoring multiple commands to stop and pulling what appeared to be a firearm from his waistband while fleeing.
One officer discharged his service weapon, striking and disabling Rivera. Officers immediately secured the suspect and administered first aid before Rivera was transported to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment. No officers were injured during the encounter.
Investigators later determined that the weapon Rivera brandished was a black pellet gun, which closely resembled a semi-automatic handgun. Rivera is now facing several serious charges, including robbery and multiple counts of rape related to the incident at Calm Spa.
Detectives are continuing their investigation and are seeking to speak with a witness who initially reported the robbery to another individual. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office at 717-299-8100.
