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HAZLETON — In the course of a police chase on Friday, a school van with students on board was involved in a crash.
According to Police Chief Jerry Speziale, a police vehicle was following a car being driven erratically near North Locust and 19th Street and thought to be stolen.
Speziale said, consistent with procedure, a second police vehicle joined in the pursuit, taking charge of radio communications so that the officer operating the first vehicle could focus on the pursuit.
According to Speziale, in the midst of the chase, a motorcycle cut across the intersection, making contact with both the second police vehicle and a van with school students on it.
Speziale said all appropriate procedures were followed and that both vehicles had lights and sirens activated to alert other vehicles of their presence.
Police believe that the motorcyclist might have a suspended license or dual licensing in two states, which is illegal, and are investigating.
The motorcyclist was transported by helicopter to a medical center for orthopaedic surgery.
Speziale said he called in the Pennsylvania State Police to investigate the crash involving a police vehicle.
“I wanted to have a clear investigation,” he said.