Abviud Carvajal

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A judge has ruled that an Allentown police officer will stand trial for striking a surrendering suspect in the face with the muzzle of his service weapon, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Abviud Carvajal, 31, of Allentown, is charged with Felony Aggravated Assault – Attempts to Cause or Causes Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon and Misdemeanor Simple Assault, according to the DA’s office.

Following a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 18, Magisterial District Judge Todd Heffelfinger ruled that all charges would be held for court. Carvajal is scheduled for formal arraignment at 8:45 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2026, before Judge James T. Anthony. He remains free on $25,000 unsecured bail.

Officer Accused Of Excessive Force After High-Speed Pursuit

The charges stem from a July 23, 2025, police pursuit that began around 8 p.m. when Allentown Police responded to a call on the 700 block of North 11th Street for a report of a man threatening a woman with a firearm.

Investigators say the victim’s boyfriend, Thomas Kravitz Jr., 55, of Philadelphia, had sent her a threatening call and photos of a gun, claiming he was on his way to her home to harm her. Officers soon spotted his truck and attempted a stop.

Kravitz fled the area, striking a police vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase through Allentown and into Whitehall Township, where he crashed at North 13th and Pennsylvania streets.

‘Hands Up’ And Then Hit With Gun, Footage Shows

After the crash, Kravitz got out of his truck and walked to the rear with his empty hands raised in the air, illuminated by flashlights and police cruiser lights. He remained motionless in a visible stance of surrender, the investigation found.

Body-worn camera and dash cam footage, reviewed by Allentown Police and prosecutors, showed Carvajal approaching and striking Kravitz in the face with the muzzle of his gun, knocking him to the ground and causing injuries.

Authorities say Kravitz made no sudden moves, gave no indication of resistance, and had his hands up for at least four seconds before being struck.

Kravitz Also Facing Charges

Kravitz was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later taken into custody. He is currently being held at Lehigh County Jail and is charged with illegal possession of a firearm, fleeing police, and causing an accident involving injury while unlicensed, among other counts.

His formal arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026, before Judge Anna-Kristie Marks.

Police also recovered a loaded .22-caliber handgun in the 1200 block of Whitehall Street, which they believe Kravitz discarded during the pursuit.

Investigation & Trial Prep

This case was referred to the District Attorney’s Office by Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca and investigated by Capt. Stephen Milkovits. Prosecutors say footage from the incident will not be released at this time to preserve Carvajal’s right to a fair trial.