This article has been updated with additional information from the affidavit of probable cause as well as an additional statement from Lebanon city police.
The Lebanon Police Department has filed a criminal charge against 58-year-old Thomas E. Cahill Jr., who was the target of a 4 1/2-hour police standoff on March 26 that brought downtown traffic to a near halt.
Read More: Mysterious police standoff at Lebanon furniture store ends abruptly, no arrests
On March 27, police filed a criminal complaint against Cahill charging him with terroristic threats with the intent to terrorize another, a first-degree misdemeanor carrying a maximum five-year prison sentence.
Cahill was in the Lebanon County jail as of publication time, in lieu of $75,000 bail. His preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Maria Dissinger is set for April 4.
Police were called to the Cahill & Son Furniture & Appliance store at 9th & Chestnut streets around noon on March 26 after receiving a report of an argument between a landlord and tenant. The building and business is owned by Cahill Jr.’s father, Thomas Cahill Sr.
Dozens of heavily armed officers surrounded the building and cordoned off several blocks around it. After hours of little visible activity, the police suddenly left the scene, and Cahill Jr. emerged from the building.
Cahill Jr. told LebTown minutes after the siege ended that he didn’t know why the police were there, but refused to talk to them and stayed inside an office area on the building’s first floor until the police left. He denied any wrongdoing.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, an LPD officer responded to a terroristic threat threat report received at 11:35 a.m on March 26. Upon arrival, he spoke to the complainant, who alleged that Cahill Jr. had threatened to shoot him and that there were multiple guns inside the furniture store.
The complainant and the officer walked to the store and allegedly saw Cahill Jr. open a gun cabinet, take out a “long gun,” and smile at them.
The complainant, who feared for his safety, alleged that he called Cahill Jr.’s father, Cahill Sr., who said that his son was drunk and serious about shooting someone.
Lebanon City Police also released an additional statement about the incident. Find it below.
On March 26, 2024, the Lebanon City Police Department responded to the area of 837 Chestnut St, for a report of threats. Upon arrival, officers learned that a maintenance supervisor was reportedly threatened by Thomas Cahill Jr, after he requested him to vacate the property. The property manager reported that Cahill Jr was possibly in possession of long guns. Officers attempted to make contact with Cahill Jr to further investigate the threat. Cahill Jr refused to exit the property and would not allow officers to enter. Cahill Jr spoke with officers on the phone throughout the duration of the incident. It was immediately apparent that Cahill Jr was intoxicated. A perimeter was established, and roads were closed out of an abundance of caution, allowing officers to evaluate the information received, and to ensure the safety of citizens, and all parties involved. Upon review of all available information, the departments prior police contacts with Cahill Jr, and re-assessing police response, we cleared the scene. Although uniformed personnel cleared the scene, the location continued to be monitored by other means.
On March 27, 2024, the Lebanon City Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Cahill Jr, for one count of Terroristic Threats. At the same time the Lebanon City Police Department obtained a search warrant for 837 Chestnut St.
On March 27, 2024, at approximately 2013 hrs., Cahill Jr was taken into custody without incident, as he walked in the 900 BK of Chestnut St and transported to central booking.
On March 28, 2024, a search warrant was executed at 837 Chestnut St. As a result of that warrant, 3 long guns were recovered.
The Lebanon City Police Department is in consultation with District Attorney’s office to determine if additional charges are appropriate.
Additionally, the Lebanon City Police Department makes every effort to release information in a timely manner. There are occasions that providing information, specifically regarding police tactics and reasoning for decisions, during the course of an incident and thereafter, can interfere with an investigation and jeopardize the safety of the community and parties involved. Information will become available when it is safe and prudent to do so. The safety of the public, any persons involved, and first responders is a top priority of the Lebanon City Police Department.
For the most accurate and up to date information, subscribe to the Lebanon City Police Departments CrimeWatch page.
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