Police: Ambridge man accused of pointing shotgun at people, attempting to enter church

An Ambridge man is accused of pointing a shotgun at two women and a police officer Sunday morning as a tried to get into a Black church, according to court documents.

Jeffrey Harris, 38, is lodged in the Beaver County Jail on $975,000 bail, according to online court documents.

He is charged with simple assault, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, attempted burglary, possession of controlled substances, possession with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police were called to the intersection of Duss Avenue and Fourth Street shortly after 9 a.m. for a man walking around with a long gun.

He reportedly worn a camo vest and pointed the firearm at two women, according to court papers.

Police were also told the man, later identified as Harris, attempted to enter Greater Dominion Church at the intersection of Fourth Street and Melrose Avenue, “raising concern that the male was attempting to enter the church with a long gun to commit a hate crime,” court papers said.

Ambridge officers learned from Beaver County Regional Police that Harris was located along the 300 block of Merchant Street.

Harris pointed his gun at an officer in a patrol vehicle, and multiple officers responded to that location, according to court papers.

Harris had a 12-gauge shotgun, 25 shotgun rounds and had crystal meth when he was arrested, police said.

Officers determined the shotgun was recently fired. Police also searched Harris’ home along Duss Avenue.

Court papers describe the house as “ready for a standoff.”

There was a makeshift barrier to the front door and large furniture blocking off a hallway “funneling those who enter to the area,” according to court papers.

Officers recovered a handgun, ammunition and amphetamines from the home, according to the complaint.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 5 before District Judge Alex Korol.