Man arrested in Connoquenessing Township following heavy police presence

Connoquenessing Township, Pa. — There was a heavy police in the area of the Woodlands development off Route 528 in Connoquenessing Township, Butler County, Tuesday morning, after a report of shots fired.

According to a release tweeted by Butler County State Police Public Information Officer Bertha Cazy, troopers responded to the area around 1:20 a.m. for a report of shots fired. Authorities first notified the public of the police presence around 7:30 a.m.

Connoquenessing Twp, Butler County - There is a heavy police presence in the area of the Woodlands development off of SR 528 in Connoqunessing Twp. There is no threat to the general public at this time. An update will be given at the conclusion of the incident via this page. pic.twitter.com/t9wAzpPRDE
— Trooper Cazy (@PSPTroopDPIO) October 3, 2023

Cazy said the suspect, identified as Jeffery Richard Ford Jr., refused to exit a home and ignored all attempted contact from police.

PSP’s Special Emergency Response team eventually responded and took Ford Jr. into custody without incident. The police presence cleared around 12:30 p.m.

Ford Jr. has been arraigned and is facing several charges, including disorderly conduct and recklessly endangering another person. He was taken to the Butler County Prison with a $50,000 cash bail.