NATURE OF INCIDENT:   Luring a Child into a Motor Vehicle or Structure (Arrest)

DEFENDANT:     Robert RUHE (66 years of age)
                             Mohnton, PA

CHARGES:         Luring a Child into a Motor Vehicle or Structure (3 counts)
                            Stalking
                            Harassment
                           
                        
DETAILS OF INCIDENT: 

The Berks County District Attorney’s Office announces that a joint investigation involving the Berks County Detectives, Shillington Police Department, and Reading Police Department has resulted in the identification of a suspect in connection with multiple reported child luring incidents that occurred on October 14, 2026, in Shillington Borough and the City of Reading.

On October 20, 2026, the Berks County Detectives were contacted by the Shillington Police Department requesting assistance with an ongoing investigation involving the attempted luring and possible abduction of a juvenile female.

Shillington Borough Incident:

On October 14, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., a 15-year-old female was walking near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and State Street in Shillington Borough when she was approached by an older Caucasian male operating a white sport utility vehicle (SUV). The male reportedly stopped his vehicle in the roadway and motioned for the juvenile to approach him. The juvenile declined and continued walking toward her residence. Several minutes later, the juvenile encountered the same male and vehicle near the 400 block of North Wyomissing Avenue. The male again attempted to get her attention, reportedly stating, "Hey baby, what are you doing?" He then asked whether she wanted to make money and commented that he had observed her walking alone. The juvenile refused his advances, and the male fled the area. Concerned for her safety, the juvenile had contacted her father by cellular telephone and had him on speakerphone during the second encounter.



City of Reading Incidents:

During the investigation, detectives learned of several similar incidents that occurred approximately 20 to 30 minutes earlier in the Oakbrook neighborhood of the City of Reading.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on October 14, 2026, a Caucasian male operating a similar white SUV reportedly approached three additional females, including two juveniles and one adult.

In one incident, two sisters, ages 16 and 6, were taking out the trash in the 1000 block of Patton Avenue when they observed a white SUV traveling slowly through the area. According to detectives, the driver repeatedly called out to the children, telling them to approach his vehicle and offering them candy if they got inside. The 16-year-old instructed her younger sister to stay away from the vehicle and called for their mother, who was nearby. The male subsequently drove away.

Through an extensive investigation, members of the Berks County District Attorney Detectives, Shillington Police Department, and Reading Police Department obtained and reviewed surveillance footage from multiple residences and locations in both jurisdictions. Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a white Acura RDX bearing a Pennsylvania license plate. Further investigation determined that the vehicle was leased by a Mohnton resident and was accessible to Robert Ruhe, of Mohnton, Berks County. Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation showed the vehicle repeatedly traveling through streets and alleyways in the vicinity of the reported incidents in Shillington Borough and the Oakbrook neighborhood of Reading.

Berks County Detectives and members of the Reading Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit subsequently contacted and interviewed Robert Ruhe.

During the interview, Ruhe acknowledged operating the white Acura RDX in both Shillington Borough and the City of Reading at the times of the reported incidents. He also identified himself in surveillance footage obtained from both locations. Although Ruhe acknowledged driving through and stopping in the areas where the incidents occurred, he denied speaking with any of the victims. Detectives also obtained statements from the juvenile victims, including identification of the suspect vehicle in surveillance footage.

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the defendant was charged with three counts of Luring a Child into a Motor Vehicle or Structure, Stalking, and Harassment.  An arrest warrant was issued for Ruhe by Magisterial District Judge David L. Yoch.
                     
On Friday, October 30, 2026, the defendant, accompanied by his attorney, surrendered to the Berks County Detectives. The defendant was transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Central
Processing Center where he was fingerprinted and photographed. He is currently awaiting preliminary arraignment.
  
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Berks County Detectives at (610) 478-7171. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Alert Berks County by calling (877) 373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS mobile app, or by texting "ALERTBERKS" followed by your tip to 847411.



Robert Ruhe