Hazleton Teen Jailed For Arson And Assault

Via HPD press release:

On 10/14/2017, in the early morning hours, Hazleton Police and Fire responded to 825 N. Church Street on a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, police officers attempted to determine if anyone was in the residence while the smoke and fire was emanating from the upper floor. An attempt was made by the police officers to check the upper floors of the residence but, the smoke was to heavy and dangerous to proceed further into the structure.

Based on information received from a local resident, HPD officers were informed that an elderly woman occupied the adjacent structure. The police officers immediately forced entry into the residence and safely removed the woman from the residence. HFD arrived shortly thereafter and began to extinguish the fire. Based on information at the scene, officers and firefighters determined the fire was suspicious in nature. Hazleton Detective Division responded to the scene and began an investigation with Hazleton Fire Department's Arson Investigator in determining the origin and circumstances causing the fire.

Brock Barcasky was a resident of the location and became irate and failed to comply with the police officers commands at the scene of the fire. As a result of the investigation, he was detained and placed into a Hazleton patrol unit and transported to LVHH for medical evaluation. While en-route to the hospital, Barcasky began kicking the interior doors of the police vehicle and banging his head off the center partition.

Upon arrival to the hospital, while attempting to remove him from the police vehicle, he kicked the back passenger door open and began fighting with the officers and hospital staff by attempting to kick and bite them until he was ultimately restrained. During the altercation Officer James Shaw, HPD sustained a minor injury and was treated and released.

Based on the investigation and after consultation with the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office, Brock Barcasky, 19 YOA, of Hazleton, PA was taken into custody, arrested and charged with Arson, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault and Disorderly Conduct.

STATEMENT:

"I am proud of the officers quick response and actions, which are indicative of Hazleton's Finest in protecting the public."