Man taken into custody as part of FBI investigation in Harrison

A Harrison man was taken away in handcuffs by township police during an FBI operation Tuesday.

Authorities reached that evening did not release the name of the suspect or possible charges.

Bradford Arick, spokesman for the FBI Pittsburgh office, would only confirm agents were “conducting authorized law enforcement activity” along Pine Street in Harrison’s Natrona neighborhood.

He said there was there was no threat to the public and declined to release further information.

A large, forest green armored vehicle was parked outside of 21 Pine St. Several SWAT team members in green camouflage gear were seen going in and out of the house as well as searching for something in heavy foliage near the front door.

A man who neighbors said lives in that house was taken into custody and later driven away in a township police vehicle.

Township police said it was not their case and deferred further questions to the FBI Pittsburgh office. The SWAT team cleared the scene around 6:30 p.m.

Rick Ryan lives a few houses up the street. He said he never interacted with the man and was surprised to see FBI agents in his community.

“I saw that armored vehicle and I’m like, what in the world (is happening),” Ryan said. He recalled seeing Allegheny County Police along Pine Street in previous years investigating drug activity, but could not recall any FBI SWAT activity.

His mother-in-law, Michelle Burton, said what took place was unlike any activity on her block in at least the past 17 years.

“Normally this block is the quietest block in Natrona,” Burton said. “It’s definitely a shock.”