Deadly Shooting at Hazleton Restaurant: One Man Killed, Another Injured as Police Launch Manhunt
HAZLETON, PA — A deadly shooting that unfolded early Saturday morning at a local restaurant in Hazleton has left one man dead and another individual injured, prompting an intensive investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to Luzerne County Coroner Dion Fernandes, emergency officials were notified after a male gunshot victim, wounded at the scene of the incident — the Sazon Latino Restaurant located at 921 Alter Street — was transported to Lehigh Valley Medical Center. The coroner confirmed that his office was contacted shortly before 2:30 p.m. to respond to the hospital, where the victim was pronounced dead. He is believed to have succumbed to his injuries while en route to the medical center.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, pending the notification of his next of kin. No additional information regarding the man’s age or residence was immediately made available.
A second person reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. That individual, whose identity also remains undisclosed, was transported for medical evaluation and is expected to make a full recovery, officials said.
The precise circumstances surrounding the shooting remain murky. Law enforcement officials have not clarified whether the shooting occurred inside the restaurant or in the vicinity of the building. It is also unknown what events precipitated the violence.
As of Sunday morning, no arrests have been announced, and it remains unclear if any suspects have been identified or are currently in custody. Investigators have not ruled out any potential motives, including whether the shooting may have been targeted or random in nature.
The Hazleton City Police Department is leading the investigation in collaboration with the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police. Authorities spent several hours at the scene following the incident, gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the restaurant and surrounding businesses in an effort to piece together the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said a spokesperson for the Hazleton Police Department. “We are working diligently with our partners in the district attorney’s office and state police to ensure that we find out exactly what happened and hold those responsible accountable.”
Coroner Fernandes stated that an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, which is expected to provide additional insights into the exact cause and manner of death.
The Sazon Latino Restaurant, a popular local establishment known for its vibrant nightlife and Latin cuisine, has not yet issued a public statement about the shooting. Calls to the restaurant went unanswered on Sunday.
In the wake of the incident, community members expressed shock and concern, as violence of this magnitude is relatively uncommon in the immediate area. Several nearby residents reported hearing sirens and seeing a heavy police presence in the early morning hours on Saturday.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, whether eyewitness accounts, videos, or tips, to contact the Hazleton Police Department. Information can be shared anonymously.
“We’re asking the public for their help,” police added. “Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in helping us solve this case.”
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. Local officials are reminding the community to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity as they work to restore peace and ensure public safety.