Local

Police raid Ambridge building; Find deplorable conditions, suspected illegal bar

AMBRIDGE, Pa. — Police in Ambridge said they raided a building Thursday after they received hundreds of complaints from people living nearby.

During the raid on Merchant Street, investigators said they discovered an illegal bar in the basement and deplorable living conditions in at least two apartments located on the upper floors.

"We believe he runs a speakeasy in the basement," acting Ambridge Police Chief Jim Mann said.

Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz reported that a first-floor apartment had been condemned from 2008, yet police found two people living inside.

Officers said they also found deplorable conditions in an upstairs apartment where at least five people lived.

Marcinkiewicz said all of the tenants were told to leave the building and the utilities have been turned off.

"They told me to get my stuff and to get out. I got nowhere to go," resident John Graham said.

Police said two people found inside the building were arrested on outstanding warrants, and police said they found suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia.

"This place is all the trouble in Ambridge," Mann said. "We're doing these people a favor. This is no place to be."

Marcinkiewicz reported that the owner of the building will be facing code violations.