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HAZLETON — Charges are pending against a Hazleton man after police say he fired shots in the air during an argument after a party Tuesday morning.
Juan Arias-Moya, 35, was arrested in the area of Cedar and Green Streets after a nearby resident reported hearing an argument and six gun shots just before 6 a.m.
When Hazleton Police arrived on scene, they observed broken beer bottles in the road, along with a Toyota Sienna parked with two occupants inside.
Officers identified the front passenger as Arias-Moya, and asked him to move his hands into view.
Before doing so, Arias-Moya allegedly made an overt move, attempting to hide something near his left foot in the vehicle.
When officers approached, they saw the the barrel of a revolver. Arias-Moya was taken into custody, along with the driver who was not identified by police and was later released.
The vehicle was found to be owned by a third party, and was towed away. Officers identified the weapon as a Sentinel MKI .22 caliber long shot revolver, and they say it had nine fired shell casings in the cylinder.
While checking the status of the weapon, officers found it to be neither stolen nor registered. Further investigation is to be performed on the weapon.
Officers were unable to find anyone who was injured or property that was damaged as a result of the shots.
Arias-Moya was transported to police headquarters, where he was determined to have a laceration to the back of his head. He was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Based on investigation, officers say the incident occurred after a party that ended in an altercation. They say Arias-Moya fired several shots into the air during the argument.
Police say charges are being completed, and Arias-Moya will be charged with carrying a firearm without a license, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.