Man arrested in New Jersey for Reading homicide while trying to flee to Dominican Republic

Authorities apprehended Federico Pérez Polanco, 43, at a New Jersey airport as he allegedly attempted to board a flight to the Dominican Republic. Pérez Polanco was wanted by law enforcement as the main suspect in a homicide that took place in Reading, Pennsylvania.

The arrest occurred hours after a shooting early Sunday morning in a residence on North 5th Street. According to reports, the victim, a 32-year-old man, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

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The suspect remains in custody while the extradition process to Pennsylvania is completed, where he would face a charge of first-degree murder.

Officials state that Pérez Polanco left Reading shortly after the shooting and traveled to New Jersey, from where he was reportedly trying to leave the country. He is currently in custody pending extradition proceedings to Pennsylvania, where he will face a first-degree murder charge.

The Berks County Coroner's Office is investigating the case as a homicide. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of his family. Reading Mayor Eddie Morán acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the agencies involved in the operation, calling the arrest a significant step toward achieving justice.

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The arrest represents an important step forward in the process of seeking justice.