An Allentown man wanted on charges stemming from a fatal 2024 shooting was arrested Monday, along with a female companion who police say attempted to block an officer from chasing him.

Hector Martinez, 26, is charged with criminal homicide and other offenses in the Sept. 2, 2024, shooting death of Terrence Brunson, 39.

Police say Brunson was shot in the area of North Law and Liberty streets and was taken by private vehicle to the hospital, where he died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. His death was ruled a homicide by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.

Following a nearly year-long investigation, an arrest warrant was issued Friday for Martinez in connection with Brunson’s death.

On Monday, Martinez was seen in the 1300 block of West Walnut Street by Officer Brandon Evans. Police said Evans tried to stop Martinez, who ran away. Evans began to chase him, when a woman, later identified as Kaelis Aviles, 22, of Whitehall, attempted to intervene by pushing Evans and blocking his path.

After a foot chase, Evans and another officer were able to take both Martinez and Aviles into custody. During the chase, Martinez’s bookbag opened and spilled contents including cash and suspected fentanyl and marijuana, police said.

In addition to criminal homicide, Martinez also is charged with persons not to possess firearms, firearms not to be carried without a license and recklessly endangering another person in relation to Brunson’s death, and possession with intent to deliver, simple possession, resisting arrest, evading arrest and possession of a small amount of marijuana related to his arrest. He was being held in Lehigh County Jail.

Aviles is charged with obstruction and disorderly conduct.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/09/23/allentown-man-arrested-in-fatal-2024-shooting/