Hazleton Shooter Arrested After 20 Hour Manhunt

Just after 1:30am this morning, a witness told the Hazelton Police that a man later identified as Juan Jesus Rosario pulled a gun on him in the area in the area of Wyoming and Green Streets.   

Hazleton Officers canvassed the area and were flagged down by a second and third victim who informed them that while the victim and passenger were driving in their vehicle and working, they came in contact with a male in the area of Pine and Maple Streets who appeared to need help. 

Unknown to the victims this was Rosario.  The victim asked Rosario if he was alright and Rosario replied “you in the wrong place homey.” 

Rosario then put a magazine into a firearm racked the slide and fired a round into the rear quarter panel of the victim’s vehicle.   The victim immediately drove away and Rosario reportedly fired another shot at the victim, but missed the vehicle and victim. Rosario then fled East on Maple Street. 

Police say ballistic evidence was recovered from the vehicle and the vehicle was photographed.  Officer in Charge M. Colosurdo contacted Chief J. Speziale and Detective Sergeant D. Rodick whom responded to headquarters in furtherance of the investigation.

Based on the investigation, an extensive manhunt was put into place and coordinated with the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office, Sugarloaf Police Department and members of the Hazleton Police Department. Around 1pm today, members of the Sugarloaf Police and Hazleton Police Department set up surveillance on a known location believed to be occupied by Juan Jesus Rosario on Route 93 in Conyngham, PA. 

Just after 9pm, Sugarloaf Police Department Officers Robert Zientek and Thomas Kurtz saw Rosario exiting the location and entering a red Jeep Cherokee. Rosario began travelling on Route 93 away from the location.  Sugarloaf Police Department conducted a felony traffic stop and took Rosario into custody without incident.  The investigation is continuing at this time.  

Detective Sergeant David Rodick filed charges, which were approved by the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and a warrant was issued by the Honorable Judge Joseph Zola for the arrest of Juan Jesus Rosario on the following charges:

Aggravated Assault (2)-Counts - Felony 1
Recklessly Endangering Another ((3) - Counts - Misdemeanor 2
Propel Missile into an Occupied Vehicle (1) Count - Felony 1

Juan Jesus Rosario will be processed at Hazleton Headquarters, transported to LCCF for overnight arraignment.

​Chief Jerry Speziale on the arrest:
"The cross coordination and lack of territorial touchiness enabled the successful apprehension of a dangerous individual"  "The Hazleton Police Department is grateful for the assistance and relationship with the Sugarloaf Police Department."