Fugitive Arrested, Marijuana & Narcotics Seized

On March 28, 2018, at approximately 3:46pm, Hazleton City Police Patrol Units responded to a call for a fight in the 400 block of S. Poplar Street involving two males occupying a white 2015 Kia Altima.

Units responded to the area and while searching the area for the vehicle, members of the Hazleton Narcotics Division in an undercover unit found the vehicle travelling away from the area on Broad Street and began surveilling the vehicle until Hazleton Patrol Units were able to get in position and conduct a motor vehicle stop at E. Mine Street and Linden Street.

​Officer’s Thomas King and Richard Hutnik conducted a motor vehicle stop and determining the operator, Dwayne Gilley, 24 YOA, was wanted on a Fugitive from Justice Warrant for Terroristic Threats and was immediately arrested by the officers.

​The passenger was identified as Randy Escoto, 27 YOA and was in possession of a substantial quantity of marijuana packaged for distribution.

Numerous Hazleton Units responded to the scene and both individuals were in custody without incident and transported to Hazleton Police Headquarters for processing pending arraignment. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Randy Escoto was charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana.

Dwyane Gilley was charged with being a Fugitive on the Terroristic Threat Warrant.

STATEMENT POLICE CHIEF JERRY SPEZIALE:

”The men and women of the Hazleton Police Department are coordinated in their efforts, which led to this coordinated arrest.”
“Times are changing. They're ever changing in today’s society and that’s why the Hazleton Police Department is prepared and able to see situations for what they are and endowed with the skills required to handle such tasks in making a safer City.”