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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Good Samaritan with gun aids man being attacked

An 18-year-old Allentown man was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, making terroristic threats, and traffic offenses after he allegedly attempted to stab a 47-year-old man around 12:59 p.m. June 5 at 3017 Tilghman St., South Whitehall.

According to South Whitehall police, officers responded for a report of a fight with a weapon at that location.

Upon arrival, officers took the male, identified as Matthew Gavilanes, into custody without incident.

Police say the incident allegedly began as a road rage incident in the City of Allentown, during which Gavilanes followed a 47-year-old man for several miles until he pulled into the Tilghman Street parking lot.

Upon pulling into the lot, a verbal altercation took place, resulting in a physical confrontation during which Gavilanes allegedly had a knife and attempted to stab the 47-year-old man several times.

The man fended off the attacks and held down Gavilanes until a good Samaritan, who was lawfully carrying a firearm, was able to hold them at gunpoint until police arrived.

Gavilanes and the man sustained minor injuries but did not require medical treatment, police say.

Gavilanes was arraigned at the Lehigh County Central Booking Center and held in Lehigh County Jail on $25,000 bail.