Man Arrested on Theft Charges; Suspect in Murder

HAZLETON — According to state police, a man arrested in Hazleton on retail theft charges is also a suspect in a murder case in New Jersey.

Troopers said Cruz Martinez Jr., 41, of Hazleton was arrested Saturday attempting to steal a television. 

Shortly after, state police said authorities in New Jersey alerted Hazleton police Martinez is a person of interest in a murder in Hudson County.

Troopers said Martinez made bail on the theft charges and then was re-arrested by police.

He is locked up on $10 million bail and charged with murder in New Jersey.

Authorities plan to extradite Martinez at a later date.