Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Explosive Device Investigation in Kelayres Leads to Arrest of Hazleton Police Officer for Burglary

A investigation into an explosive device that went off in Kelayres on Tuesday led to the arrest of a Hazleton Police Officer for a burglary in October.
On Tuesday, investigators from the State Police spent all day at 3 Center Street, in the Kelayres section of Kline Township after an explosive device detonated around 5:30am injuring a man and damaging cars and nearby buildings.  The incident is being considered an attempted homicide.

Late Tuesday, State Police said while investigating the incident, they learned of a burglary that occurred at the same home on October 28th, 2021.

The investigation into the burglary led to the arrest of Ladell Emery Hannon, 31, of Hazleton. Hannon is also a police officer for the City of Hazleton. State Police said during the robbery, Hannon entered the home and stole several items. They did specify what the items were.

Hannon was taken into custody around 3:00pm, Tuesday without incident.

He was charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, and theft by unlawful taking and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Edward J. Tarantelli and locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $300,000 straight cash bail.

The burglary and the explosive device are still active investigations. Anyone who may have information on either incident is asked to call the Frackville Barracks at (570) 874-5300.

RETRACTION:  In our original post, we stated in the headline that the arrest was for Robbery.  That was incorrect.  The individual was arrested for burglary.



Story below on the most recent details on the explosive device investigation.