A New Kensington man is accused of stalking a man and woman in Clinton Township, according to police.

Ethan Tyler Birch, 24, was charged Monday, Sept. 29, with two misdemeanor harassment counts and one misdemeanor count each of stalking, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and simple assault following Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 incidents in Clinton Township.

Police said they were contacted for reports of harassing text messages being sent to a man by Birch. Police said the man hosted a birthday party for a child that was attended by Birch’s ex-girlfriend.

After the party, police said the man began receiving voice and text messages from Birch. Police viewed the messages on the man’s phone and attempted to contact Birch from the phone. Police said Birch refused to answer phone calls and continued sending threatening messages to the man.

According to the affidavit, the man contacted police the next day and said he heard a large popping sound outside the residence the night before that sounded like a gun shot. The man received a message from Birch about 20 minutes later with a photo of him carrying an AR-15-style firearm and other threatening messages, police said.

Two days later, another gun shot went off near the man’s residence as a woman was entering his home, according to the affidavit.

Police also spoke with the woman’s employer in Armstrong County for more information. The employer uses an online check-in system for guests to notify the business when they arrive. Police said Birch had also used the check-in system multiple times to create the appearance of increased wait times.

Birch’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 7 before District Judge Jack Ripper.