One man is dead and another injured following an early morning shooting at a Hazleton bar and restaurant, city police confirmed in a statement issued jointly with Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, officers were dispatched to the intersection of 20th and Alter Streets after receiving reports of gunfire inside the establishment. Upon arrival, Hazleton City Police discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was found unresponsive and was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead despite emergency life-saving efforts.
The second male victim was conscious and alert at the scene, though his current condition has not been released.
Authorities have tentatively scheduled an autopsy for the deceased victim for Tuesday, May 27 at 9:00 a.m. at the Luzerne County Morgue.
Witnesses at the scene described the shooter as a tall, dark-skinned Hispanic male wearing a leather shirt, grey pants, and sunglasses, with long dreadlocks tied into a ponytail. Through their investigation, police identified the suspect as Jose Sandoval Perez. The firearm allegedly used in the shooting was reported stolen from a nearby residence.
Sandoval Perez was taken into custody shortly after the incident and is currently facing several charges, including felony Theft of a Firearm, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License.
He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Dixion who denied bail.
Officials have emphasized that this was an isolated incident between patrons and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The case remains under active investigation by Hazleton City Police and Luzerne County Detectives. Authorities are urging any witnesses or individuals with information about the incident to contact detectives at 570-450-2080 or submit tips via the Hazleton City Police Crimewatch page.