Shaquille Patrick Williams, 27, of Altoona, was arraigned Thursday by Magisterial District Judge Fred B. Miller on felony charges of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, person not to possess/use firearms, theft and receiving stolen property after police were dispatched about 10:30 a.m. Thursday for an incident on the 800 block of Washington Avenue.

The reported standoff drew a heavy response from law enforcement, with officials from the state police, Tyrone K-9 unit and other local police forces setting up a perimeter around the residence.

Several residents who live in the immediate area said they were told by police to “go back inside and stay there” when officers first arrived on scene. Officers had firearms pointed at the residence for over two hours.

About 1 p.m., many state police forces quickly relocated to the rear of the building by Garden Alley with weapons drawn.

Law enforcement officials take suspect Shaquille Patrick Williams into custody on Thursday after a standoff in Tyrone. Mirror photo by Calem Illig

An officer could be heard providing commands over a loudspeaker, telling the suspect to “get down on your knees and put your hands in the air.”

After repeated commands from police, the suspect exited the building and was taken into custody.

Another person exited the front of the residence and was brought to the ground, but after being interviewed, that person was released.

Police cleared the scene about 2 p.m., and following an interview at the Tyrone Police Department, Williams was transported to Miller’s office for preliminary arraignment.

While Miller was presenting the charges, Williams interrupted and questioned why the arraignment was taking place, stating, “Pardon my French, but this is bullshit.”

The standoff prompted a heavy response from law enforcement, with officials from the state police, Tyrone K-9 unit and other local police forces setting up a perimeter around the residence. Mirror photo by Calem Illig

Miller reprimanded Williams several times for “inappropriate language” and advised Williams that no facts regarding the case were to be discussed at the arraignment.

“It is in your best interest if you follow along with what I have to say,” Miller said.

Williams, who is a native of New Jersey but has been an Altoona resident for 16 years, said he was staying in Tyrone for the past few days to “cool off” before traveling to Jacksonville, Florida, next week for a new job.

After being arraigned, Williams said he was regretful of what happened and thanked his three family members who attended the hearing to support him.

“My mother is a good leader, and I’m embarrassed for her and myself,” Williams said.

Williams said he was also thankful for Miller, whom he was familiar with after dealing with truancy issues and other summary offenses as a juvenile.

Standing before Miller, Williams said he has been trying to change his life and has been dedicating himself to his job as an assistant manager at a local fast food restaurant.

Court documents state Williams was wanted for misdemeanor charges of terroristic threats out of Minnesota, but Miller said an extradition was not requested.

A criminal docket states that Williams was charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct Jan. 11 following an incident at UPMC Altoona, and he was also charged with misdemeanor firearm charges in November.

While he showed gratitude toward Miller, Williams again became angry after Miller explained his bail conditions.

Bail was set at $350,000 for the new charges, which Williams was unable to post as of Thursday evening, court documents state.

Miller explained that under the bail conditions, Williams would not be allowed to leave the state without court approval if he were able to post bail.

A frustrated Williams said he needed to be allowed to leave the state for his job in Florida next week, and he told Miller he “promised” to show up for his upcoming preliminary hearing Feb. 1.

“I’m not a flight risk,” Williams testified. “I will show up for court. I promise.”

Williams was then dismissed, but as he was being taken to a holding cell, he again used inappropriate language.

Miller warned Williams that he would be placed in contempt if his language persisted, and after denying using the language and arguing with Miller, he accused Miller of “heightening my anxiety” and was led from the courtroom.

In addition to the felony charges, Williams was also arraigned on one misdemeanor charge of simple assault.

Court documents did not list an attorney for Williams, but he told Miller that he will not require a public defender.

The situation Thursday morning prompted an exterior lockdown of the Tyrone Area School District, with the district announcing that individuals would not be allowed to exit or enter any district buildings.

According to an announcement on the district’s website, classes continued as normal, and the school said there was no direct threat to students or faculty.

The lockdown was lifted about 2:30 p.m. Thursday, and students and staff were dismissed as scheduled.

“Thank you for your cooperation and patience today,” an announcement on the district website stated. “When these types of situations occur, we recognize your urgency to have information as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, at times, we are unable to provide information until we can ensure that the information is true, correct and appropriate to share. Under these circumstances, we appreciate your patience and trust that we will take the appropriate actions based on the circumstances and under the advisement of law enforcement.”

Closures on Washington Avenue were also lifted Thursday afternoon.

Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.