CORRECTION: The deadly shooting occurred in September 2024. The first version of this article had the wrong date.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A 26-year-old Allentown man wanted in a deadly shooting in September 2024 was arrested Monday night after a running chase, city police said.
Hector Martinez is charged with criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, persons not to possess firearms and recklessly endangering another person, police said.
Police said he shot 39-year-old Terrence Brunson in the chest on Sept. 2, 2024, near North Law and Liberty streets. Brunson was taken by private vehicle to a hospital, where he died, according to a news release.
On Monday night, a police officer spotted Martinez walking in the 1300 block of West Walnut Street, police said. Martinez allegedly ran when ordered by police to stop, and a woman who accompanied him tried to interfere by blocking an officer’s path, police said.
A warrant for Martinez's arrest on homicide charges was issued three days earlier following a yearlong investigation, police said.
He was being held Tuesday morning in Lehigh County Jail pending arraignment, police said.
Authorities identified the woman who was with him Monday night as Kaelis Aviles, 22, of Whitehall Township. She is charged with obstructing the administration of law and disorderly conduct, police said.
Martinez faces additional drug charges because police said a backpack he carried Monday night contained fentanyl, marijuana and cash.
Those charges include possession of drugs, possession with intent to deliver, resisting arrest and evading arrest.
Besides Allentown police, the investigation involves the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force.
The homicide case was investigated by Allentown police Det. Justin Williams and Det. Miguel Villa of the homicide task force.
