Multiple Shootings, High Speed Chase, Helicopter Search, Hospital Lock-Down In Hazleton

Around 12:30 pm on Wednesday, police and emergency crews responded to the area of East Maple and Cedar Street for a report of a gunshot victim.

It is reported that a black male with an abdominal gunshot wound was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton by three other males prior to police arriving on scene.

HPD investigated the scene while LVH was locked down for security reasons due to the gunshot victim.

After conducting the investigation into the reported shooting at Cedar and Maple, Hazleton City Police responded to another shooting in the area of Cedar and Green Streets, one block away, for another reported shooting.

Around 2:30 pm, police responded to the second shooting, which was reported as a drive-by, with four individuals on on ATVs/quads and dirtbikes.

It is believed that the second shooting may be a retaliation to the first shooting.

Reports state that police chased the individuals along the railroad tracks, toward the area of the Arthur Gardner Highway, where two individuals were taken into custody across from the DMV around 3pm.

Reports state that police arrived in the area where the individuals were parked. Reportedly, one of the vehicles was unable to start, and the riders were taken into custody.

Names ov victims, or those detained by police have not been released.

No other information is availble at this time in regards to the remaining individuals involved in either situation.

HPD continues to be on scene as of 6:30 pm, at Cedar and Green Streets.

A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter is reported to have been seen flying low over Humboldt and other areas, assumably in search of the ATV riders who had escaped apprehension.