According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojiechowsky, in the early morning of Friday, March 8, 2019 around 1:00am Pottsville Police officers and Pa State Police troopers responded to a report of an armed subject in the 500 block of Mahantongo Street who had reportedly fired a weapon.
Upon arrival police encountered the male, later identified as Jose Cruz, 32 years old from Allentown, on the porch of the residence and he ignored repeated lawful verbal commands from police as he began to leave the scene and he then displayed a handgun.
Wojciechowsky said as officers continued to give verbal commands to Cruz a Pottsville Police officer and a PA State Trooper deployed Tasers on Cruz and he then pointed his handgun at the officers at which time two Pottsville Police Officers discharged their weapons to protect themselves and the PA State Troopers.
Cruz was then taken into custody and immediate medical care was provided.
No police officers were injured and Cruz was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
The investigation is still ongoing into the incident.
A press conference is scheduled for 9:00am at the Schuylkill Haven State Police Barracks.
The investigation is still ongoing into the incident.
A press conference is scheduled for 9:00am at the Schuylkill Haven State Police Barracks.