Conviction in Chaotic Shooting Near Dominican Festival
A 23-year-old Allentown resident, Yunior Peralta-Quintana, has been convicted on multiple charges related to a violent shootout that injured six people near the city’s Dominican Festival in 2024. The jury reached its verdict following a four-day trial in Lehigh County Court, finding him guilty of attempted murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, carrying a firearm without a license, and witness intimidation.
Peralta-Quintana faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is set for March 5. A second suspect, 29-year-old Miguel Ovalles Ubri of Allentown, also faces charges in connection with the incident and awaits his own trial.
Details of the August 2024 Incident
The gunfire erupted around 6:45 p.m. on August 25, 2024, in the 100 block of North Seventh Street, close to the ongoing Dominican Festival. What began as a gunfight between Peralta-Quintana and Ovalles Ubri quickly escalated into chaos amid festival crowds that included children and young adults.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan described the scene as extremely chaotic, noting that surveillance footage and officers’ body-worn cameras captured people scrambling for cover as a barrage of shots rang out. “Crowds of people were enjoying the festival when the gunfire started,” Holihan stated.
Police Response and Aftermath
Allentown police officers arrived while the shooting was still underway. Two officers discharged their weapons during the response, but authorities confirmed that none of the six injured individuals were struck by police bullets. Holihan later reviewed the actions and determined that the officers responded appropriately. No law enforcement personnel were harmed.
First responders provided immediate aid, applying tourniquets to gunshot victims at the scene. One person required emergency life-saving surgery. In total, investigators reported that the two suspects fired 20 rounds, while police officers fired 12.
