Police in Hazleton, Luzerne County, pursued a driver down a one-way street while two children were in the car. The driver, Juan De La Rosa-Batista, had outstanding warrants and fled from police before being apprehended. The children were safely released to a family member. De La Rosa-Batista faces charges of fleeing police, endangering a child, and traffic violations. Vivian Muniz reported
Police Chase in Hazleton Leads to Arrest of Driver with Two Children in the Car
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A dangerous police chase in Hazleton unfolded on Friday evening, as officers discovered that two children were passengers in the car being pursued by law enforcement. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. when alert Hazleton City Police Department officers noticed a vehicle traveling on Oak Street. Upon conducting a routine check, it was discovered that the driver had two active warrants.
As the situation escalated, the driver, later identified as Juan De La Rosa-Batista, brazenly drove down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Despite the officers’ attempts to initiate a traffic stop, De La Rosa-Batista chose to evade the police, leading to a high-speed chase through the city streets. Eventually, the driver came to a halt and was successfully apprehended by the pursuing officers.
Shockingly, it was discovered that two young children were present in the vehicle throughout the entirety of the dangerous pursuit. Concerned for their well-being, the children were promptly taken to Hazleton City Hall, where they were safely released into the care of a responsible family member.
As for Juan De La Rosa-Batista, he now faces a series of serious charges, including fleeing from law enforcement, endangering the welfare of a child, and multiple traffic violations. The severity of the situation prompted authorities to set his bail at $50,000, and he was subsequently transported to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility to await further legal proceedings.
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