Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was the scene of a late-night shooting that left one man dead and another injured. The incident occurred early Sunday morning outside a local bar, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Police in Hazleton reported that officers received a call shortly after 1:30 a.m. regarding shots fired at a bar located at the intersection of 20th and Alter streets. Upon arrival, they discovered two victims: one man was found unresponsive on the ground, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds, while another was alert but injured on the floor.
Emergency medical personnel transported the first victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. As of now, authorities have not released the identities of the victims.
Following the shooting, witnesses described the suspect as a tall Hispanic male wearing a leather shirt and gray pants, with long dreadlocks tied back in a ponytail. Police were able to identify Jose Sandoval Perez, 26, as the alleged shooter, and he was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Sandoval Perez is currently being held in Luzerne County Prison without bail, facing serious charges including felony theft and illegal possession of a firearm. He was arraigned on Sunday morning. The firearm reportedly used in the shooting had been reported stolen from a nearby residence, further complicating the case against him.
Authorities stated that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident among patrons of the bar and is not indicative of a broader trend of violence in the area. The police department is continuing its investigation, with detectives actively seeking additional witnesses to come forward with information.
Anyone with details related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Hazleton Police Department at 570-450-2080. The community remains tense as law enforcement works to piece together the events that led to the tragic outcome.