Overnight Robbery Suspect Jailed

On Sunday July 3rd at approximately 3:45 am, Hazleton Police were dispatched to the Convenient Mart located at Juniper and Wyoming Streets for a report of a robbery.

Upon arrival and investigation, it was determined that a light skinned hispanic male attempted to purchase a cigar, and when the clerk opened the register, the male reached over into the register and grabbed an undetermined amount of cash.

The clerk attempted to pull away, but the male forcibly took the money and fled on foot.

Officer Colton Kishel of HPD arrived at the store and obtained information by viewing surveillance video and relaying the information to the officers in the field.

Officer Scott Greene observed a male with identical clothing a short time later in the area of 3rd and Alter Streets. The male, later identified as Steve Salcedo, attempted to hide behind a vehicle and then initiated a foot pursuit.

Corporal Joseph Babula, Michael Colasurdo, and Colton Kishel responded to the area and the suspect was apprehended and taken into custody.

Salcedo was found to be in possession of a crack pipe and the stolen cash.

Charges filed on Steve Salcedo included Robbery, Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. Salecedo was transported to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for arraignment.

Chief Jerry Speziale commented on the incident: "The officer's saw the situation for what it was and quickly pieced it together leading to the apprehension and arrest. I am proud of the hard work and dedication of the officers involved. The message should be clear, if you commit a crime in Hazleton, we will quickly bring you to face justice."