News

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Scranton Police Special Victim's Unit charged a man with the sexual assault of a minor that occurred in 2022.

According to Scranton Police on September 15, 2022, officers responded to a PFA violation that led to an investigation into a sexual assault of a 13-year-old.

Investigators say after DNA tests were concluded and search warrants were executed, Michael Putzulu Jr. (pictured below) was identified as the alleged sexual offender.

Courtesy: Scranton Police Department

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Residents of a Wilkes-Barre neighborhood say they are concerned about what they describe as "unusual activity" at a house in their neighborhood.

Wilkes-barre city officials shut down the house late last week and found people living in the house.

The property in question is located at 28 West South Street, several blocks from downtown Wilkes-Barre. The big question neighbors have is: "Is this house the center of illegal activity?"

DURYEA, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police in Luzerne County say an investigation led to a Philadelphia man being charged after allegedly walking up to another man and assaulting him on his driveway.

According to the Duryea Police Department, a 32-year-old man is being charged after an assault occurred on December 6 around 12:39 p.m.

Officers were called to an assault in the 1300 block of Main St. near the border of Moosic. On the scene, three people reported they were all in front of their garage when they heard yelling and screaming, police say.

ASHLAND BORO., SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A 14-year-old boy was cited after police say he assaulted two people during an argument over chores.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on February 11 around 4:00 p.m., troopers were called for a disturbance on Centre Street in Ashland, Schuylkill County.

Search for missing man in Luzerne County

Police say a 14-year-old boy became agitated towards two people, a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, and assaulted the victims after being told to do household chores.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during the upcoming winter storm Monday night into Tuesday.

The agencies will be implementing various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the winter weather event.

DAMASCUS TOWNSHIP, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced Friday, that the driver in a fatal Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) crash is facing several charges.

According to PSP on Saturday, November 4, 2023, around 11:30 p.m. troopers responded to the scene of a one-vehicle crash on Callicoon Road in Damascus Township, Wayne County.

According to a criminal affidavit, the crash occurred as a 2019 Polaris Razr UTV was traveling east on Callicoon Road when it left the roadway, struck a guard rail, and began to roll across both lanes of traffic.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Mayor George C. Brown announced that the City of Wilkes-Barre will enact a CODE BLUE, due to snowfall and severe cold temperatures.

According to Mayor Brown, the CODE BLUE will be in effect starting Monday, February 12 until Sunday, February 18.

The Code Blue Emergency Shelter Program will be administered by Keystone Mission. The Code Blue Emergency Shelter is located at the Keystone Mission Innovation Center, 90 East Union Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Sunshine to snow: How much to expect tonight into tomorrow

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police are searching for a man reported missing in Luzerne County.

According to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, 23-year-old Max Liebetrau has been reported missing.

Search for missing girl out of Luzerne County

Police say Liebetrau was last seen wearing blue jeans, a grey sweatshirt, a black LL Bean coat, and black/white sneakers. Liebeatru is described as a man 6'4'' in height, weighing 180 with blonde hair and blue eyes.

PLAINS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— After Sunday night’s big game, the last thing on the minds of many was to get up early and head to the gym, but a popular social media trend has gym-goers doing just that and taking the plunge into an ice bath.

28/22 News Reporter Sydney Kostus was live exploring the benefits behind the trend and trying it out for herself.

Taking the plunge but not into a jacuzzi, in an ice bathtub set at 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it was,” said Joshua Bellio, of Bellio Plumbing and Heating.

MILFORD, PIKE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Authorities announced Dr. Martin Evers was sentenced for unlawfully distributing drugs that resulted in a death.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karama, Evers, 66, of Pike County, was found guilty on 71counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, after a three-week trial.

Evers was a Bon Secours Charity Health System employee and practiced as a primary care physician in Milford.