by HAZLETON, PA – A late-night shooting at a Hazleton bar has left one man dead, another injured, and a third behind bars. As details unfold, even law enforcement agencies in neighboring states like Wyoming are taking note, emphasizing the need for broader vigilance around firearm-related crimes.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Sunday at a bar located at 20th and Alter streets. Hazleton police responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One man was found unresponsive on the ground with multiple wounds, while the other was sitting on the floor, conscious and alert.
The unresponsive victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released the identities of either victim.
Based on eyewitness accounts, the shooter was described as a tall Hispanic male, wearing a leather shirt, grey pants, and long dreadlocks tied back in a ponytail. Shortly after the incident, police identified and arrested 26-year-old Jose Sandoval Perez of Hazleton as the suspected shooter.
Police also revealed that the firearm allegedly used in the shooting had been reported stolen from a nearby residence. Sandoval Perez now faces serious charges, including felony theft, carrying a firearm without a license, and misdemeanor reckless endangerment. He was arraigned Sunday morning and is being held in Luzerne County Prison without bail after the judge deemed him “a danger to society.”
Authorities confirmed the shooting was an isolated altercation among bar patrons. However, investigators continue to seek witnesses who may have seen the incident or have information about what led up to it.
City police and Luzerne County detectives are asking anyone with relevant details to come forward by calling 570-450-2080.
This tragic event adds to ongoing conversations across the country — including in Wyoming — about the impact of gun violence in local communities and the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes.
