West Hazleton Police Department

08/06/2026

West Hazleton duo facing charges after machete attack.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, West Hazleton Borough Police were summoned to a Tamarack Street residence for the report of a man threatening family members with a gun. Upon their arrival, officers found a Ta**us semiautomatic handgun discarded near the residence, and the male was taken into custody.

During a subsequent investigation, Police discovered the male attacked a canine with a machete causing a severe laceration to the animal's torso. A female, who Police determined has a duty of care for the pet, failed to report the attack to Police, or seek medical care for the animal. Investigators also found the residence to have deplorable living conditions and deemed it to be uninhabitable.

Authorities transported canine Shadow to a nearby Animal Hospital for emergency medical care. An adult canine, (2) puppies, and (2) felines were also taken from the residence when it was discovered their general care was neglected and they lacked access to food and clean water.

A referral for further investigation and request of services was made to Luzerne County Children and Youth due to (2) juveniles residing at the location.

Seth Micheal PONSTINGL (23), West Hazleton, has been charged with the following:

-Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
-Cruelty to Animals
-Neglect of Animals

Anna Catherine ZIEGLER (47), was charged with the following:

-Endangering the Welfare of Children
-Neglect of Animals

West Hazleton Borough Police were assisted by the West Hazleton Borough Fire Department and our community partners from the Luzerne County SPCA during the course of this incident.

07/28/2026

Hazleton men facing fi****ms charges following traffic stop

On Monday, July 27, 2026, an individual reported being threatened by a group of males who were inside a vehicle. The individual who was threatened was associated with a recent shooting incident that occurred on South Broad Street.

While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle matching the reported description, continually circling the area of the South Broad Street shooting incident. Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle for multiple equipment violations.

During the course of the traffic stop, officers encountered (5) males, (4) of whom were wearing ski masks and rubber gloves. The males were found to be in unlawful possession of (4) handguns, (2) of them were reported as stolen.

Yereny LARA-CASTILLO (19), Hazleton

Frallen PEREZ-SANCHEZ (19), Hazleton

Dinorki PICHARDO (21), Hazleton

Were charged with Receiving Stolen Property (Fi****ms) and Fi****ms Not be Carried Without a License. They were transported to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility where they await formal arraignment.

(2) Juvenile males face charges for unlawful possession of handguns.

The juveniles were released and charges will be filed in accordance with Luzerne County criteria.

The Pennsylvania Juvenile Act does not permit Law Enforcement agencies to release images of juvenile offenders under these circumstances.

The West Hazleton Borough Police Department was assisted by officers of the Hazleton City Police Department throughout the course of this incident.

07/24/2026

West Hazleton man arrested for fi****ms trafficking.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during the course of a shooting investigation, West Hazleton Borough Police apprehended a wanted individual. The male, a subject of an ongoing active fi****ms trafficking investigation, was identified for his association with a July 16 shooting on South Broad Street. Over a dozen shots were fired on South Broad Street where a building and vehicle were struck by gunfire. A mother holding an infant was nearly struck as a bullet passed through their apartment window.

Francisco MONTILLA (28), was charged for the Unlawful Sale of a Firearm.

MONTILLA sold Police investigators a stolen Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic handgun during a covert fi****ms trafficking investigation. Police also seized a .40 caliber semiautomatic G***k handgun as a result of the investigation.

At the time of his arrest, MONTILLA was on bail for his roll in a prior shooting that occurred in a nearby jurisdiction.

West Hazleton Borough Police were assisted by the following Law Enforcement partners during both investigations.

Hazleton City Police Patrol Division
Hazleton City Police Criminal and Narcotics Detective units
Luzerne County Gun Violence Task Force
Pennsylvania State Attorney General Office

07/22/2026

Hazleton man facing charges following deadly collision.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, West Hazleton Borough Police charged Thomas Michael VERCUSKY (58) Hazleton, with the following;

Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury
Homicide by Vehicle
Involuntary Manslaughter
Accidents Involving Damage to Attended Vehicle or Property
Reckless Driving

The charges were filed at the conclusion of an investigation into a hit and run collision that occurred on December 14, 2025. The months long investigation required forensic scientific examination and analysis of physical, biological and trace evidence.

Investigators discovered VERCUSKY was operating a pickup truck equipped with a snow plow on 22nd Street when the vehicle left the highway and collided with a pedestrian and brick retaining wall. VERKUSKY left the scene of the collision without notifying Police or attempting to render aid to the severely injured individual.

Fausto HERNANDEZ-PEREZ (59) West Hazleton, lost his life after he succumbed to injuries he sustained during the collision.

West Hazleton Borough Police were assisted by members of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Forensic Services and the Hazleton City Police Detective Division during this investigation.

07/17/2026

On Thursday, July 16 2026, at approximately 10:50 PM, West Hazleton Police were summoned to South Broad Street, near Branch Street, for the report of gunshots fired.

An investigation revealed multiple individuals were engaged in an altercation and gunfire erupted. Officers located numerous spent bullet casings in the area. A vehicle and building were struck by the gunfire, and a mother holding her infant child narrowly avoided being shot when a projectile went through the front window of their residence.

Police urge anyone with information regarding the incident to call (570) 455-3733, or contact us via private messenger. All information received will be treated as confidential.

04/23/2026

Two days away from the West Hazleton Police Officers Association first annual sportsman bingo event.

Please like and share their page.

We are only 2 days away from our 1st annual Sportsman Bingo! Tickets available at the door, save $10 by messaging us here for your tickets, or by contacting any member of the Police association or West Hazleton Fire Department.

Join us for a night out of Bingo fun.

Saturday April 25 doors open at 4pm. Bingo and raffles 5-9.

-15 rounds of bingo for some great 🔫 prizes

-1 round of bingo with a prize 🎯 at the ladies

-Side raffle with prizes including sportsman items and something for everyone 🤞

-Special bonus raffles with fun games to play 🎲

- 50/50 drawing 💵

Hot dog, chips, birchbeer or water are included with your event ticket 🎟️ purchase. Additional food will be offered for sale.

Come out and support your local 👮 and 🧑‍🚒 we hope to see to see you there!