LANCASTER – A police standoff in Lancaster ended in the arrest of a man. Last Friday around 2:52 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of South Ann Street for a report of a domestic involving a firearm. Police made contact with the victim who indicated that the suspect, 41-year-old William Tyler, was inside the house with handguns and under the influence of alcohol and ecstasy. The victim and Tyler had a relationship. The victim reported that after a verbal argument, Tyler struck her with a closed fist multiple times, choked her three times to the point she almost lost consciousness, and pointed a firearm at her threatening to shoot. Police attempts to make contact with Tyler failed. He exited the home temporarily and immediately went back inside and locked the door before police could apprehend him. Tyler refused to exit the residence after many attempts to contact him were made. Officers received information that Tyler intended on, “shooting it out with the police.” Officers set a perimeter and began evacuating Hazel Jackson Middle School, Washington Elementary School, and surrounding neighbors. About 6:55 p.m., Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team entered the residence and took Tyler into custody. A search warrant yielded three handguns inside. Tyler was initially charged with strangulation, aggravated assault and terroristic threats. Additional charges will be filed pending the outcome of the investigation.
WILLIAM TYLER