An armed West Hempfield Township man was arrested Sunday night after an hours-long standoff at his home.
Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) took 49-year-old Shawn Stryker into custody about 9:15 p.m., about 10 hours after police were initially called to the 500 block of Goldfinch Drive.
During the standoff, a SERT officer fired a shot when Stryker exited the home with a rifle drawn and aimed at police. Soon after, Stryker fired two shots while inside his home.
No one was struck by gunfire.
Stryker continued the standoff and refused to surrender. Upon exiting his residence, a second time, Stryker dropped the rifle according to commands, but refused to obey any additional commands, causing SERT to take non-lethal actions while negotiating surrender about 9:15 p.m.
Stryker is charged with misdemeanor simple assault and reckless endangerment for pointing a gun at his girlfriend, which prompted police’s initial response to the home late Sunday morning.
The investigation is ongoing.
Stryker is presumed innocent.
Pennsylvania State Police is handling the investigation. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams will review all investigative materials and make a determination on the police use of force.
According to the investigation so far:
West Hempfield Township police were initially called to the home in the 500 block of Goldfinch Drive about 11 a.m. Stryker reportedly pointed a rifle at his girlfriend, shortly after holding the rifle and a handgun and talking about “end of times.”
Stryker allowed the woman to leave the home. A 911 call was made.
West Hempfield Township police obtained an arrest warrant regarding charges for the weapons incident.
SERT was called to the scene and negotiators attempted to effectuate the man’s surrender.
Stryker was hospitalized. He is expected to be arraigned after treatment.
Multiple agencies were involved, including West Hempfield Township police, Pennsylvania State Police, Lancaster County SERT, Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, and Lancaster County Detectives.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright