Police Investigate Hazleton Shooting

Just before 4pm Friday, Hazleton Police responded to a report of a gunshot at 736 E. 3rd Street. Officers were told that someone was shot in the arm at the residence. 

Numerous units responded and upon arrival, Officer’s observed a 45 year old male victim from Hazleton with a single gunshot wound to the left arm, standing outside the residence. 

Officer’s observed a male identified as 54 year old Pedro Mendoza protruding  his head outside of the residence. Officers took cover and immediately gave Mendoza verbal commands to show his hands and exit  from inside of the doorway. 

Mendoza complied with the officers commands and was taken into custody without incident.

Police say it appears that the incident began as an argument between Mendoza and a second victim in the adjacent apartment.  Mendoza attempted to shoot a second male victim as he fled into the other apartment where the victim who was shot was attempting to lock the door when he was shot by Mendoza.  

Officers contained and controlled the scene and APTS arrived and transported the male victim to LVHH for treatment. 

Officers D. Zapatocky and P. Bautista conducted a security sweep of the location and observed a weapon on a bed inside the location.  

Detective Sergeant D. Rodick and Det. B. Green responded, obtained and executed search warrants at the location where they recovered a 9mm firearm and other evidence.  

The LCDAs Office approved charges for three counts of Aggravated Assault (F1), two counts of Aggravated Assault(F2), one count of Discharging a firearm into an occupied structure (F3), three Recklessly endangering another person, and one count of Terroristic threats.

Mendoza was arraigned by MDJ Halsey who set bail at $200,000 straight. 

Statement by Police chief Jerry Speziale:
"The men and women of HPD are a talented group of individuals, capable of seeing a dangerous situation for what it is and are endowed with the skills required to quickly control, handle and deescalate the incident."