Photos courtesy of Lehigh Valley Fire Scene Photos
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – What began as a domestic threat investigation escalated into a dangerous high-speed chase that spanned multiple jurisdictions and ended with the arrest of a Philadelphia man, Allentown Police confirmed.
Authorities say the incident unfolded around 8:00 p.m. Tuesday when officers were dispatched to the 700 block of North 11th Street after receiving a report of threats involving a firearm.
According to investigators, the female victim reported that her boyfriend, later identified as 54-year-old Thomas Kravitz of Philadelphia, had called her and sent her photos in which he allegedly displayed a gun. In the messages, Kravitz reportedly threatened to come to her residence and harm her.
When officers arrived in the area, they spotted the suspect’s vehicle. Instead of stopping, Kravitz fled, leading police on a high-speed pursuit through Allentown’s streets, weaving through traffic and striking several other vehicles along the way.
The chase continued into Whitehall Township, where police say Kravitz’s vehicle was ultimately disabled. He was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers.
During the arrest, police recovered a loaded firearm allegedly belonging to Kravitz. Authorities say the weapon matched the one shown in the threatening photos sent to the victim earlier in the evening.
No major injuries were immediately reported, but police noted that several vehicles sustained damage during the pursuit. The incident prompted a significant emergency response, with multiple marked units pursuing the suspect and assisting at the scene in Whitehall.
Kravitz faces a long list of charges, including:
- Fleeing or attempting to elude police
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Terroristic threats
- Resisting arrest
- Recklessly endangering another person
- Possession of an instrument of crime
- and other related offenses.
He was arraigned and is currently in custody at Lehigh County Jail on $75,000 bail, according to online court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled in the coming days.
Police say the investigation into the initial threat incident remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed.
