Drunken Man Pushed Woman on Stairs, Police Say

A "visibly intoxicated" Hellertown man who allegedly assaulted two people inside his home last Friday night was taken into police custody after he grabbed an officer and refused to let go, court records say.

Gary James Harrison, 56, is accused of assaulting Melissa Harrison and Bryce Harrison inside the home in the 900 block of Magnolia Road. Police arrived around 10:30 p.m.

A criminal complaint does not specify the relationships among the three Harrisons. But Northampton County tax records say the home is owned by Gary J. Harrison and Melissa L. Harrison.

The complaint, filed by borough Patrolman Carl Fischer, says Melissa and Bryce told police Gary was intoxicated and became "physically combative." 

They said Gary pushed Melissa on a staircase and pushed Bryce into furniture, according to police.

When Bryce tried to prevent Gary from pushing Melissa on the stairs, Bryce and Gary ended up falling down the stairs, causing minor injuries to both, the records say.

Fischer said he talked to Gary on the front porch, and that Gary was "visibly intoxicated."

Gary Harrison was charged with two counts of simple assault and two counts of harassment. He was arraigned Saturday by District Judge Richard Yetter of Wilson and committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $5,000 bail.