Three flee police, hide near creek for two hours near Hazleton
By Kaylee Lindenmuth | [email protected]
HAZLE TOWNSHIP, Luzerne County – State Troopers from the Hazleton barracks were led on a pursuit early Monday morning which concluded after an “extensive two-hour long search.”
The incident occurred around 2:00am Monday at Hazle Township Boulevard and North Church Street, where troopers attempted to stop a 2002 GMC Denali for various vehicle code violations. The SUV fled instead, during inclement weather conditions, troopers said.
Troopers said the pursuit created “a safety hazard for other motorists and pedestrians.”
At one point, they said, the fleeing vehicle detoured through a trail near Hazle Township Boulevard and over an embankment into a 3-foot deep creek. The vehicle continued to flee in the creek, and became submerged and disabled in ice and mud.
Troopers, though, found fresh footprints in the snow along the creek and determined they belonged to the GMC’s three occupants.
A two-hour long search of the area found all three hiding along an embankment near the creek.
Upon investigation, troopers seized brass knuckles, a small amount of marijuana, and a clear zip lock bag containing a crystal-like substance of suspected methamphetamine, along with related drug paraphernalia.
The driver, 25-year-old Joseph Mitchell of Hazleton, was charged with fleeing or attemping to a elude a police officer; DUI – controlled substance; possession of illegal drugs; possession of drug paraphernalia; and multiple summary violations. Mitchell was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Michael G. Dotzel, Wilkes-Barre, and given unsecured bail in the amount of $20,000.
The two passengers also faced charges. 30-year-old Ryan Berger of West Hazleton received a charge for possession of a prohibited offensive weapon, and 37-year-old Ann Granatie of Hazle Township was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The two passengers were processed and released, and the investigation is still ongoing.
About Author
