LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that it has concluded its investigation of an officer-involved shooting in the 100 block of Hershey Avenue, Lancaster. District Attorney Heather Adams ruled that three responding officers were justified in using deadly force against William Oneill, a 40-year-old resident of the same block.
Oneill allegedly placed the officers in danger of death or serious bodily injury when he fired in their direction, ignored multiple commands to drop his weapon, and repeatedly aimed his rifle at them. Charges have been filed against Oneill in relation to the incident.
Oneill is facing charges of criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, assault of a law enforcement officer, and persons not to possess a firearm for the incident that occurred on November 29, 2023.
The incident began early on that Wednesday morning when Lancaster City Bureau of Police officers were dispatched to Hershey Avenue following a disturbance call. During the call, Oneill was heard stating that he was “going to war.” He then reportedly went outside with an AR-15 rifle and fired the weapon twice, once as police arrived on scene.
Upon arrival, two officers took cover when Oneill allegedly fired in their direction. Despite repeated commands to drop his weapon, Oneill continued to approach the officers with his rifle. A third officer, positioned up the street, also commanded Oneill to drop his weapon, warning him that he would be shot if he did not comply.
When Oneill allegedly raised his rifle towards the third officer, all three officers opened fire, hitting Oneill approximately three to four times. Once additional officers arrived on scene, they rendered aid to Oneill until medical personnel could arrive.
The Lancaster County Forensic team found several shell casings and a live round at the scene. Oneill’s weapon, identified as a Ruger AR-556 rifle, was found loaded with 26 additional rounds and had a live round stuck in the chamber.
Oneill remains in critical condition at a local hospital. The District Attorney’s Office has stated it will not release the names of the involved officers in accordance with internal policy. Oneill is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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