Man Jailed For Vandalizing Vehicle After Being Followed And Struck By Witness's Vehicle

Yesterday Hazleton City Police responded to a call for shots fired at in the area of the 700 block of W. 4th Street at approximately 9:40pm. The Call reported several shots fired at this location, however the sounds that were heard turned out to be those of cinder blocks and a baseball bat hitting a car.

Police state that a female reported that two white males damaged her sister’s car by smashing the windshield with a large cinder block and mirror with a baseball bat. 

Officers found a large cinder block laying on the hood of the vehicle and half of a broken baseball bat on the ground. 

One of the family members witnessed the event and began following the male actor later identified as 39 year old Land Hicks Hazleton with his vehicle. 

A Short time later, Hazleton City Police were dispatched to the area of Church and Magnolia Street where Hicks was found on the sidewalk being held by the family member as officers arrived. Originally Hazleton City Fire and EMS were dispatched for Hicks being struck by the chasing vehicle, with the vehicle on top of Hicks.

Police state that when Hicks was about to be taken into custody, he refused verbal commands several times to present his hands for cuffing denying that he had done anything.  Hicks’ arms had to be forcibly placed behind his back for cuffing. Hicks was transported to LVH for treatment for pain of his right leg and foot as a result of being struck by the vehicle in the incident. 

Chief J. Speziale was on scene and called in the detective bureau based on the evidence, value of damage and witnesses involved.  Detective Lt W. Gallagher and Detective B. Green completed the charges following the investigation. 

Hicks is charged with Criminal Mischief a Misdemeanor 2 and Resisting Arrest and will be arraigned overnight after being transported and lodged at LCCF.

Statement of Police Chief Jerry Speziale:
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"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."