Jun 4, 2015 2 min read

A Washington man accused of breaking into a Canonsburg home last week that prompted a brief lockdown of two Canon-McMillan schools was arraigned on burglary and firearms charges.

Darnell Steven Brown, 35, whose last known address was 145 Forest Ave., is accused of kicking open the front door at the home of Michael Harney and Kristine Metz at 504 S. Central Ave. about 1:25 a.m. May 29.

Harney told Canonsburg police he and Metz were sleeping when they heard a loud noise. Harney went to investigate and saw Brown, who he knows as the father of Metz’ child, with a silver pistol. Brown reportedly started demanding money, and Harney kept telling him he had none. The two told police Brown had been sending them threatening text messages, demanding money.

Brown left the house, transported in the passenger side of a car. He returned to the house several hours later. When police responded, they chased Brown for about 30 minutes before capturing him. The chase prompted the lockdown at South Central Elementary School and Canonsburg Middle School for a short time.

After he was taken into custody, Brown was placed in Washington County jail on an outstanding bench warrant. He was arraigned via video from the jail before District Judge David Mark on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, persons not to possess a firearm, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. Mark set bond at $25,000.

A preliminary hearing is set for June 17 before Mark.