Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem police department makes arrest in firearms investigation
On May 18, 2024,, at 5 pm, the Bethlehem Police Department responded to the area of the 600 block of Atlantic St. for a report of a shooting following a possible robbery in the street. Arriving officers were unable to locate anyone in the area, but were informed by witnesses that an involved male had dropped a plastic bag in the backyard of a nearby home. Officers located the bag and recovered a firearm inside. The firearm was reported stolen from New Jersey in July 2022.
Police obtained video footage from nearby homes, which provided images of the suspect who was in possession of the bag and stolen firearm just prior to it being dropped. The male fled the area prior to police arrival. The suspect was identified as Joshua Lee Centeno, 22-year-old, of the 500 block of Hoch St. in Bethlehem. Centeno did not possess a valid license to carry a concealed firearm. Police obtained an arrest warrant for Centeno, charging him with:
Receiving stolen property – Felony 2
Firearms not to be carried without a license – Felony 3
On August 15, 2024, at 9:10 pm, Bethlehem Police saw a vehicle being driven in the area of W. 4th St. and Broadway. The vehicle was known to police as being involved in a domestic disturbance earlier that day at Centeno’s residence. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, Centeno exited the vehicle, and fled on foot. Police chased Centeno on foot in the area of W. 4th St., and Vine St. Centeno was found hiding in an alleyway nearby and was taken into custody.
Additional charges are pending for Centeno.
