Heroin, Money, Guns found In Raid After Domestic Dispute Overdose

Today at approximately 2:50am, Hazleton Police were dispatched to 127 East Maple Street, 2nd floor, right side apartment, for a domestic disturbance with a possible overdose victim in the apartment.   Upon officers arriving, multiple voices were heard arguing inside the apartment.  As officers knocked on the door, multiple people began to flee from the apartment by jumping out a 2nd story window. Officers pursued the fleeing actors on foot. One male was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. All other actors were unable to be located.

Other officers remained on scene to check on the reported overdose victim in the home. Officers were unable to get a response at the door so for the safety of the possible overdose victim, officers forced entry into the apartment. While checking the location for the victim, officers located approximately 820 bags of suspected heroin as well as (8) handguns in plain view at the location. Patrol officers immediately secured the location and notified detectives from the Hazleton Police Narcotics Division so that they could assist with the investigation and apply for a Court Ordered Search Warrant for the location.

​At approximately 9:00 AM, Hazleton Police Narcotics Division executed a search warrant at the location and recovered $1800 dollars in US Currency, (6) Cell Phones an additional handgun and packaging materials.

The male that was apprehended after fleeing the home was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton to be treated for an ankle injury that he sustained from jumping out of the window, but was not a resident of the location.  

Statements of Jerry Speziale, Hazleton City Police Chief:

“We will continue in every turn to root out illegal drugs in our city”

"The mission of the Hazleton City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in our City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, reduce fear, and maintain order.  The Hazleton Police Department is committed to accomplishing its mission of protecting the lives and property of all the citizens and visitors of Hazleton by treating everyone with compassion, courtesy, professionalism, and respect, while efficiently rendering public safety services and enforcing the laws impartially, by fighting crime both through deterrence and the relentless pursuit of criminals."