Crime & Safety

Drunk, Armed Man Who Injured Cop In Montco Identified, Police Say

The man who police say crashed his car into several vehicles, broke into a home, and stole another car has been identified.

(Patch file photo)

The man who police say crashed his car into several vehicles, broke into a home, and stole another car earlier this month in Montgomery County has been identified.

John Anthony Harris, 32, faces charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm, theft, reckless driving, public drunkeness, and more than a dozen other counts.

The incident occurred at around 10:59 p.m. on April 16 at Hilltop Estates, formerly Shaner's Trailer Park, located on the 3000 block of East High Street.

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Police were called to the scene of a "suspicious" man inside of a blue Nissan Altima. The man later turned out to be Harris, police said.

When they arrived, they found the man to be inebriated, and holding a stolen firearm.

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As they attempted to take the man into custody, he began to fight back and was eventually able to break free and drive off, injuring one of the officers in the process, according to the police report.

The suspect drove a short distance and slammed into a few nearby parked cars before fleeing on foot. He then broke into a nearby home, chased the woman who owned the home through the house until he could steal her car keys, then drove her white 2011 Dodge Avenger away. The license plate is DTP 0883.

Harris is described as a black male standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall. He has short black curly hair and facial hair. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached.

The injured officer was treated at Pottstown Hospital and released.

If you have any information on Harris' location, contact police at (610) 326-1508.

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