A Schuylkill County man is facing numerous charges after he allegedly spit on a police officer and assaulted his disabled father last week.
Court records show that police were dispatched to a home along Airport Rd. in Butler Township just before noon on Sept. 11 for a report of a disturbance involving a male smashing items inside the residence and threatening the person calling 9-1-1.
On the way to the scene, police were advised by emergency dispatchers that the 9-1-1 caller was a disabled man who’d just been pushed and feared for his safety.
Butler Township Police say they called for backup from officers from Ashland and Frackville to assist at the scene.
Upon their arrival, a witness reportedly told police that Jonathan Harris, 36, came after her outside the home threatening to kill her. The witness said Harris was poking his finger at her and saying, “You did this to me.”
Police say they also learned that during the disturbance, Harris pushed his disabled father, whom had been sitting in a recliner, toward the television and slapped him on the head.
While the father was speaking with police, Harris allegedly came to the living room where they were and was aggravated and pacing about the room. Harris reportedly told police that he wasn’t going anywhere, pointing a broom at one officer.
When asked about pushing his father while he sat in the chair, Harris reportedly said, “I just moved him in front of the (bleeping) TV. He hasn’t moved out of this chair in two years. I just want to move him.”
Harris then went outside, saying he needed to clean up some glass. Earlier, Harris allegedly smashed a front window to the home during this disturbance.
Police say they indicated to Harris that they were going to take him into custody but Harris wasn’t interested in hearing that. He reportedly said in response, “Get the (bleep) away from me” as police attempted to put cuffs on him.
Harris then allegedly spit on an officer’s face, chest, and leg as he continued to resist being taken into custody. At one point during the confrontation with police, one officer used his Taser in an attempt to get control of Harris.
After being transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pottsville, Harris was admitted for a psychiatric evaluation.
Harris is facing felony charges of assault of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault. He’s also been charged with misdemeanor counts of simple assault, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, as well as two summary counts of harassment.
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