One In Custody, Gun Found, After Person Of Interest Spotted

​On September 4th, 2019, at approximately 2250 hours, Hazleton Police Officers B. Dubin and J. Shaw were on directed patrol when they encountered a person of interest believed to be associated with the group violence in Hazleton's recent shootings.
While in the area of 10th and Locust Street the officers observed a Hispanic male, 19 years of age, of Hazleton, known to the department walking in this area, acting suspiciously, and attempting to elude the officer(s).

Officer J. Shaw while checking the area located a Smith and Wesson 9mm placed underneath the tire of a parked Acura with a loaded spare magazine resting on top of it.  The individual known to the department was detained and transported to Hazleton Police Headquarters for interview by the detective division, Lieutenant William Gallagher.  The firearm was checked through the various computer systems and came back registered to an individual out of Meshoppen.  Contact was made with Meshoppen PD who contacted the owner who stated he loaned out the weapon, which is under investigation. 

The firearm was recovered and is being sent for DNA, fingerprints and forensic testing to determine the connection to the recent shootings in the City and the individual.  Upon receipt of the information, charges will be pending the investigations outcome.

Detective Lieutenant W. Gallagher was notified and responded, Chief J. Speziale notified and the investigation continuing.