COLUMBIA, PA — On Friday, local law enforcement successfully apprehended a man wanted on weapons charges following a tense standoff in Columbia Borough. The 40-year-old suspect, identified as Charles Harris, allegedly fired shots at police officers and a K-9 unit before being taken into custody.
The incident began when Columbia Borough Police Officers and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department arrived at a residence on the 300 block of Cherry Street to execute a warrant detail. Harris, who was the subject of a weapons violation warrant, was located at the residence. In an attempt to evade arrest, he allegedly tried to flee, then retreated back inside the house.
Upon his retreat, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department deployed a K-9 unit. At this point, Harris is said to have opened fire in the direction of the officers and the police dog. Miraculously, neither the officers nor the K-9 were injured in the incident.
Reacting swiftly, officers established a perimeter around the house, securing the scene and preventing Harris from leaving until the arrival of the Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team. Through strategic negotiation, officers were able to convince Harris to surrender without further incident.
Harris was taken into custody and was arraigned on a warrant for Persons not to Possess a Firearm through the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department. Additional charges related to Friday’s incident are pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Fortunately, no officers or civilians were harmed during the standoff, and the 300 block of Cherry Street has since reopened to the public. The Columbia Borough Police and Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department received additional support during the incident from the Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team, officers with the West Hempfield Police Department, and Lancaster County Wide Communications.
As with all criminal cases, it’s important to note that an arrest, a criminal complaint, or the release of information does not constitute a declaration of guilt. Harris, like all suspects, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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