Knife-wielding lancaster man sparks police standoff, skips court

LANCASTER, PA — A city man charged in an alleged knife assault and subsequent standoff with police has waived his preliminary hearing, allowing the case to move forward to Lancaster County Court.

Harry James Thomas Jr., 41, is facing multiple charges including aggravated assault, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, and evading arrest. The charges stem from an incident on July 5 in the 600 block of North Plum Street, where Thomas allegedly threatened another man and swung a steak knife at him while shouting death threats.

The victim told police that he called out for someone to contact law enforcement, prompting Thomas to flee the scene.

When officers attempted to arrest Thomas at his residence on the 500 block of Hand Avenue, he allegedly retreated inside, locked the door, and refused to exit. A standoff followed, resulting in road closures and police redirecting bystanders away from the area.

Thomas remains held at Lancaster County Prison on $75,000 bail. The charges were filed by Officer Michael Schwebel of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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