Fugitive Charged After Being Spotted In Stolen Car

On November 19, 2019, at 2nd and Alter Street at approximately 1616hrs, PFC David Zapatocky while on patrol, in the area of West 2nd Street and Alter Street, the departments patrol vehicle equipped with an automatic license plate reader alarm activated on a stolen vehicle, a gray 2003 Honda Pilot bearing PA registration.

The vehicle was determined to be reported stolen out of the Hazleton Police Department on 11/17/2019.

The officer observed a Hispanic male, (1/6/82) standing at the driversside door of the aforementioned vehicle who was the victim and owner of the vehicle.

The victim was waving at the officer for assistance and made contact and stated he was driving in the area when he observed his stolen-vehicle parked at this location and it was occupied by a Hispanic male operator.

Upon approaching the stolen vehicle, Officers observed a male seated in the driver’s seat.

The male in the vehicle was subsequently taken into custody and identified as Xavier Gomez (3/21/87).

Gomez stated he borrowed the Honda from a friend and further investigation determined Gomez to have an active warrant out of Adult Probation.

Gomez was taken into custody without incident and transported back to City Hall.

Charges were completed for Receiving Stolen Property.

Magistrate Barilla advised to have Gomez lodged on the warrant and would be arraigned in the morning. 

Gomez was transported to LCCF on the warrant.