WAYNESBORO – Local police are thanking the public for being patient and cooperating during a tense standoff Sunday, Nov. 17, when a man wanted on multiple charges surrendered to authorities after more than five hours of negotiations.
Police, however, have remained mum on exactly what led to the charges against 33-year-old Timothy Charles Bickham Jr. The standoff began at 9 a.m. when Waynesboro officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Hamilton Avenue after receiving a tip that Bickham was there.
He was wanted on charges including possession of firearms by a prohibited person, terroristic threats, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Upon arrival, officers secured the area, established a perimeter and shut down surrounding streets. Additional units were called to the scene to assist. Authorities quickly determined that Bickham was alone in the residence, according to police statements.
Negotiators tried to convince the suspect to surrender peacefully, but Bickham refused to comply. The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team was called in to assist.
After additional negotiations, Bickham surrendered without incident at approximately 2:30 p.m. He was taken into custody by the SERT team and transported to Franklin County Jail, where he is being held pending his preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 26.
The operation concluded without injuries to law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, or the suspect. Streets were reopened, and the scene was cleared by 4 p.m.
The Waynesboro Police Department received support from multiple agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police, Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department’s fire police, Waynesboro EMS, Wellspan Medic, Waynesboro Fire Department, Franklin County Coroner’s Office, Washington Township Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Waynesboro maintenance center employees.
