Whitehall Township police officers responded to a call March 28 to assist officers from Allentown Police Department with apprehending a suspect believed to be in a residence in the 500 block of Catasauqua Avenue, Fullerton.

According to the news release, the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team (MERT) responded at approximately 5:30 p.m., assisted by a crisis negotiation team, in an attempt to have the suspect surrender himself.

The suspect, identified as Ayoub J. Tawil, was wanted on felony charges, police said.

A perimeter was established for public safety, which necessitated the evacuation of nearby residences and a reverse 911 call to the neighborhood to shelter in place, reports said.

Whitehall Township Chief of Police Michael Marks said negotiators made contact for several hours and Tawil was eventually taken into custody by MERT team members after entry to the residence was forced.

He was transferred into the custody of the Allentown Police Department, Marks said.

Whitehall police would like to thank the members of the Lehigh County MERT team as well as Lehigh County detectives, Allentown Police Department, Whitehall Township Fire Department, Whitehall Township Office of Emergency Management and Cetronia Ambulance Corps for their assistance and cooperation, which helped bring this situation to a successful conclusion, Marks said, adding appreciation to local residents for their patience and understanding as this situation unfolded.