Police search employee vehicles at VA Medical Center

PLAINS TWP. — Members of two police departments were searching employees’ vehicles at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center on Thursday afternoon, but details were sparse as to what officers were looking for.

Veterans Affairs police officers and a K-9 unit from the Pennsylvania State Police were performing the searches. Bill Klaips, public affairs officer for the medical center, said multiple cars were being searched.

According to Klaips, there was no incident Thursday; rather, officers were following up on what he called “historical leads.”

Klaips declined to elaborate on the nature of the investigation, saying it was ongoing and a “personnel matter.”

Officers could be seen removing what appeared to be pill bottles and booster seats from one vehicle.

There was no word on whether charges would be filed as a result of Thursday’s searches.

Officers search a truck parked outside the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township on Thursday.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_TTL021618VA2.jpg.optimal.jpgOfficers search a truck parked outside the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township on Thursday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

An officer from the VA Medical Center searches a car outside the Plains Township site Thursday. Several vehicles were searched, but authorities offered few details about the nature of the investigation.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_TTL021618VA1.jpg.optimal.jpgAn officer from the VA Medical Center searches a car outside the Plains Township site Thursday. Several vehicles were searched, but authorities offered few details about the nature of the investigation. Sean McKeag | Times Leader