Bedford Co., PA (WJAC) — State police in Bedford County have released new details about what led to an 18-hour standoff in Imler last week.
Authorities say on Thursday night, July 7, troopers were dispatched to a residence, located along the 1200 block of Schellsburg Road in Kimmel Township, to serve an extradition warrant for 40-year-old Matthew Lehman.
According to the affidavit, police spoke with 42-year-old Dana Grabill, who told authorities that Lehman was not inside the residence.
Police say while they were speaking with Grabill, Lehman attempted to leave the residence through the back door but quickly retreated into the home after he noticed troopers outside.
Authorities say Lehman "refused commands to exit the residence" and barricaded himself inside with several individuals, including Dana Grabill and 83-year-old Eileen Grabill.
Police say the Pennsylvania State Police SERT was then called to the scene, and authorities learned that there were two teenage children also inside the residence.
According to the affidavit, on Friday, July 8, just before 3 p.m., police say Eileen Grabill exited the residence and was taken into custody.
Police say a short time later, Lehman and Dana Grabill also exited the residence and were taken into custody without incident.
Authorities say when police interviewed Eileen Grabill, she reportedly told officers that she woke up to "bright lights" and saw police outside the home.
Police say she admitted to being aware of why troopers were at the residence but stated that she went back to sleep because "it was not her business."
Investigators say she also noted that the both Lehman and Grabill, as well as the two children, spent the night in her room during the standoff.
Police say the two juveniles corroborated Grabill's claim that they all slept in her room during the incident.
Police say when they interviewed Lehman, he told authorities that they had "decided as a family" that he should NOT turn himself into police.
Authorities say Lehman also noted that he was "not concerned" with police throwing "flash bangs" or shooting into the home because there were children inside.
The affidavit notes that Dana Grabill denied a police interview.
Lehman has since been arraigned on charges of avoiding apprehension, child endangerment and reckless endangerment, according to online court documents.
He is being housed at the Bedford County Correctional Facility, on $100,000 bail, court dockets show.
As for Dana and Eileen Grabill, they have also been charged with child endangerment and reckless endangerment, as well as hindering apprehension/harboring, according to court documents.
Both are being housed at the Bedford County Prison on $15,000 bail each.
All three individuals have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 13.
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