A local political activist ran into trouble with a suburban Philadelphia police department Wednesday afternoon. Ron Harper Jr., editor of 5thEstate.com, was arrested by Norristown police outside Montgomery County Courthouse.

Norristown Police Capt. Willy Richet said officers were called when Harper was seen videotaping in a security area outside the courthouse. Richet said Harper was asked to stop videotaping and leave the area. Harper refused, Richet said, and officers removed his camera. Harper was later charged with disorderly conduct.

Harper is known for his outspoken criticism of local politicians and the media, and his Web site includes videos of various officials speaking at meetings or being confronted by Harper. It's not clear what he was videotaping Wednesday.

Harper did not return several telephone messages Thursday night from a reporter seeking comment.

Harper recently sought a position on the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority board but was not selected as a finalist from among 14 potential candidates. He is a longtime critic of the $170 million convention center/hotel being built on Penn Square.

E-mail: myoder@lnpnews.com