Small Valley Communities Facing Big City Gang Problem

Butler Township, Luzerne County-- Richard Zanolini has lived his entire life..more than 60 years- in the Butler Township area of Luzerne County and he says he has never seen crime this bad. He told Eyewitness News, "It is scary I mean what can you do I bought an alarm system and neighbors try to watch out for each other but crimes like drug dealing and break-ins continue."  Butler Township Police Chief Dave Pavelko has patrolled the Valley area for some 35 years and added, "We are encountering seasoned criminals and people who carry heavy duty weapons. I have never seen this type of influx of those who we know have gang connections. We see them using our parks and living here. But knowing who they are and catching them committing a crime are two different things." Pavelko says he could use more Officers ion the street and urges citizens to get involved. He added, "Our proximity to Interstates 80 and 81 as well as to the City of Hazleton make us a prime location for drug dealing and any crime that is connected to gangs." Pavelko says his Officers work with State and Federal agents to combat the gang influence.