John Campbell

CRANBERRY TWP — A man is accused of tormenting customers at a township store before turning his tirade on police officers Monday.

John Campbell, 55, of Greensburg, is charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and defiant trespassing stemming from the incident.

According to the criminal complaint, officers were called to a shopping area on Route 19 in the township for reports of a man harassing patrons in and around various businesses. The complaint notes “multiple” calls were made about the man.

Officers told Campbell that they had received several calls about his “erratic and disorderly” behavior, but he allegedly began walking away. Officers again tried to stop him, and he allegedly became irate, refusing to give identification to police. Officers also asked Campbell to remove his hands from his pockets, which the complaint states he refused to do. Officers took him into custody, “while he passively resisted.”

After being arrested, Campbell allegedly spit tobacco on a police car. He continued to passively resist arrest, making his body limp and then tensing up, the complaint states. He also allegedly continued to swear and rant at officers.

Campbell was taken to the township police department, where another officer recognized him from a similar complaint earlier in the day at the same location. The complaint states that Campbell was told not to return at that time.

Officers also interviewed witnesses who were inside one of the stores. One witness said he was trying to work when Campbell allegedly approached him and began swearing at him. The man attempted to leave, but Campbell allegedly blocked him from doing so. The complaint states Campbell eventually followed the victim to his car and blocked entrance to the vehicle as well. He also allegedly stood behind the vehicle in an effort to not let the man leave. Several witness statements confirmed the encounter, the complaint states.

Campbell was arraigned Monday by District Judge David Kovach, who set bond at $50,000. A Dec. 7 preliminary hearing is scheduled.