Hazleton Man Arrested In Relation To Multiple Burglaries

On March 1, 2018, Hazleton Police responded to a burglary at Groceries Plus on 1003 N. Vine Street and determined that entry had been made into the location and approximately $3000.00 in USC was removed. As a result, Hazleton Detective Sergeant David Rodick conducted an investigation and charged Otto McNab with Burglary (F-2), Theft by Unlawful Taking (F-2) and Receiving Stolen Property and Hazleton Police were actively searching for the individual based on a warrant for his arrest.

On March 9, 2018, at approximately 0220 hours, Hazleton Police responded for a second time, this time to a burglary at the location and determined forced entry was made into the location through a door, which was broken open.

Hazleton 3rd Shift Police Patrol Officers setup a perimeter of the location under the direction of Sergeant Joseph Babula and Corporal Mario Howey and determined through evidence and information that the location of Otto McNab, the person wanted in the original crime was possibly hiding inside 1028 Alter Street. Chief Jerry Speziale was notified and Detective Joseph Labert were notified and a determination was made to apply for a search warrant for the location.

During the application of the search warrant, Hazleton Patrol Officers attempted to make contact with Otto McNab at the above location on Alter Street and where met by a third party who informed the Officers that McNab was not inside the location. Officers informed the third party that Otto McNab, (42) of Hazleton was wanted and if McNab was found to be hiding inside the location, the individual could be charged with Hindering Apprehension and Harboring a Fugitive.

Hazleton Officers continued with a perimeter of the location and immediately thereafter notifying the third party, McNab attempted to divert the officers by an unknown caller making calls into the County 911 Center informing the Luzerne County Communications Center that Otto McNab was wanted and at a location on 15th and Alter Streets. Hazleton Police believed this was done in an effort to draw the officers away from the location at 1028 Alter Street. Hazleton Officers continued with the perimeter and then observed Otto McNab exit the location at 1028 Alter Street, when Hazleton Patrol Officers took him into custody without incident and transported McNab to Hazleton Police Headquarters for processing and arraignment.

At approximately 1000 hours, Hazleton Police Detective Joseph Labert and Hazleton Patrol Officers executed a search warrant on the location at 1028 Alter Street in search of fruits of the crime and additional evidence and the investigation is continuing.

Otto McNab is charged with the following:

March 1st Incident.
Burglary (F-2)
Theft by Unlawful Taking(F-2)
Receiving Stolen Property

March 9th Incident
Burglary (F-2)
Criminal Trespass

STATEMENT POLICE CHIEF JERRY SPEZIALE

”The men and women of the Hazleton Police Department are coordinated in their efforts, which led to this 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.”