BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A 43-year-old man was arrested in New Jersey while trying to fly to the Dominican Republic on Sunday after a Berks County shooting that left a 32-year-old man dead.
Daniel Torres Jr., 32, was declared dead at 8:37 a.m. on Aug. 2 after a reported shooting at a home on the 1400 block of North Fifth Street. Investigators learned that Federico Polanco, 43, of Reading, had fled the scene following the shooting, according to a news release.
The call came in around 3:39 a.m., according to an announcement from the coroner’s office.
At the scene, the Reading Police Department found Torres with several bullet wounds, the City of Reading announced.
A deputy with the coroner’s office was called to the scene shortly after 8 a.m. before declaring Torres dead around half an hour later.
Investigators said that, after the shooting, Polanco fled to New Jersey, where he booked a flight to the Dominican Republic that was scheduled to leave that evening.
In a coordinated effort with the U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, and the Transportation Security Administration, as well as the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, Polanco was arrested while waiting to board his flight.
Officials said on Monday that Polanco was awaiting extradition back to Pennsylvania, where he has been charged with first-degree murder.
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran commended the “swift work” of authorities while expressing regrets to the friends and family of Torres.
“I want to thank the members of the Reading Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners for their quick and coordinated efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect. While today’s arrest is an important step toward justice, our hearts remain with the victim’s family and loved ones as they cope with this unimaginable loss. They are in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to the homicide investigation is asked to contact RPD at 610-655-6116.