Missing Person Located In Wilkes-Barre By HPD Officer's Wife

Today around noon Allison McAlarney, wife of Corporal Keith McAlarney of the Hazleton Police Department, was in the area of Central Park in Wilkes Barre when she recognized the missing male, 71 year old Luis Penza, sitting on a park bench. 

She immediately contacted her husband, who quickly contacted the Luzerne County Communications Center and they dispatched police and EMS to assist in recovering the individual without incident.  The individual was taken by EMS to a local hospital for evaluation but appeared not to be in grave danger.

Penza was listed as a missing / endangered person on Friday after he was discovered missing from a Hazleton City personal care home.

Satements of Hazleton City Police Chief Jerry Speziale:

"Clearly, Allsion is the unsung hero and the quick thinking by all involved was amazing.  We are grateful for all involved in returning this individual safely."

"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."