Pittsburgh police find drugs, stolen gun after scuffle with suspect

A man spotted dealing drugs in Pittsburgh’s Homewood section fought with police and broke out a store window before officers arrested him Monday, authorities said.

Zone 5 police said officers had been conducting surveillance on Frankstown Avenue around 11 a.m. in response to complaints from residents about drug dealing in the area.

Police said they watched a man later identified as Shawn Thomas Harris Jr., 31, conduct four separate drug deals over the course of 10 minutes while perched on a milk crate in front of a market. Harris, carrying a red bag, would get the suspected drugs from the bag, measure them on a portable digital scale and then complete the exchange, police said.

Police said they saw Harris walk into the market and followed him inside. Harris tried to take off once officers identified themselves and a struggle ensued, during which a window of the market was shattered, investigators said.

Officers said they found a stolen 9mm pistol, a digital scale, more than $400 in cash, drug packaging materials and suspected cocaine and crack on Harris. He also was wanted on a probation violation.

Harris faces seven drug charges, as well as charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, escape and firearms violations.