Man Jailed After Early Morning Assault

At approximately 2am on Friday September 9th 2016, Hazleton City Police Officer Alan Jadush and Cpl. Scott Nicholas were flagged down while on patrol by a make in his 20's in the area of Alter and 3rd.

The male reported to police that he has been assaulted by a male later identified as Juawawn Cooper, 23 of Hazleton.

Cooper was reportedly armed with a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun which he struck the victim with along with continuously striking the victim with a closed fist.

Cooper fled on foot with another unidentified male and female.

Oficer Jadush, Cpl. Nicholas, and Shift Commander Joseph Babula located a male matching the description of Cooper within minutes in the immediate area. The male, Juawawn Cooper briefly led Officer Jadush on a foot pursuit to Lafayette near 4th where Cooper was taken into custody.

Cooper was found to be in possession of 9 bags of heroin following a search.

After the pursuit, officers found a firearm that was discarded by Cooper in the area of 3rd and Alter. Subsequent investigation revealed that the Smith and Wesson .380 caliber handgun was reported stolen from the Hazleton area.

The victim as treated for his injuries at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton.

Officers completed multiple felony charges including but not limited to, Aggravated Assault,(2 Counts), Simple Assault, Receiving Stolen Property,  Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felons Not to Possess a Firearm, and Firearm not to be Carried Without a License. Cooper was transported to Luzerne County Correctional Facility for overnight arraignment.

Police Chief Jerry Speziale has released these statements on the incident:

"The officers were able to see the situation for what it was and quickly pieced together the facts apprehending and removing a dangerous felon from our street."
 "I am proud of the hard work displayed by the men and women of Hazleton's Finest." 
"Teamwork played an integral role in this apprehension."
"We will not tolerate such behavior in our City and deliver swift and decisive justice"