Eight individuals were injured in a gun battle with law enforcement in eastern Pennsylvania, officials announced. The incident took place in Allentown at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Sunday according to police reports. Upon arrival at the scene, officers witnessed multiple individuals actively exchanging gunshots, leading to an immediate confrontation with the shooters.
The injured victims were transported to hospitals to receive treatment for various non-life-threatening injuries, with one individual undergoing emergency surgery. Fortunately, no law enforcement officers were harmed during the altercation. One of the shooters, 21-year-old Yunior Peralta-Quintana from Bethlehem, has been charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Peralta-Quintana has been denied bail, and it remains unclear if he has legal representation.
Authorities have not disclosed further information regarding the incident at this time, including whether Peralta-Quintana sustained injuries or if the victims were hit by civilian or police gunfire. The motive behind the shootout is currently being investigated, with the possibility of additional arrests in the future.
The gun battle unfolded close to the location of the city’s annual Dominican Festival, however, law enforcement has not confirmed if the incident was related to any occurrences at the event.