Man Charged in Lancaster Officer-Involved Shooting: Willam Oneill Allegedly Fires Shots and Points AR at Police, Prompting Officers to Fire

A man has been charged after an early morning shooting involving police officers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The incident took place in the 100 block of Hershey Avenue on Wednesday. Police were called to the scene after reports of shots being fired during a domestic dispute. The caller also mentioned that the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Willam Oneill, had gone outside with an “AR” rifle.

According to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, the preliminary investigation revealed that the caller identified Oneill and claimed that he had fired the weapon twice outside during the phone call. When the officers arrived, they heard a second gunshot. Oneill allegedly pointed the rifle at the officers despite multiple commands to drop the weapon.

Body-worn camera footage captured Oneill walking to the front yard of the residence and assuming a shooting position with the weapon. The officer repeatedly ordered Oneill to drop the rifle, but he failed to comply and began moving closer to the officer, pointing the weapon in their direction.

In response to the perceived threat, three officers fired their weapons. Oneill was hit, causing him to drop the rifle and fall to the ground. He is currently in stable condition at a local hospital.

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office has filed several charges against Oneill, including criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The incident is still under investigation, and more information will be released as appropriate. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams will review the incident and evaluate the police officers’ use of force.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office at 717-299-811 and speak with a detective.