DUBOIS – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr. announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for a Treasure Lake resident accused of criminal attempt homicide. Shaw identified the Ddefendant as Michael Edward Lanigan of 1724 Treasure Lake, Sandy Township, Pennsylvania. The defendant is 50 years old.
A criminal complaint filed by Officer Erik Rupp of the Sandy Township Police Department charges Lanigan with two counts each of criminal attempt to commit homicide; aggravated assault; simple assault; and recklessly endangering another person.
An Affidavit of Probably Cause filed with the complaint states that at approximately 9:12 p.m. on March 15, Sandy Township Police officers were dispatched to a domestic assault in progress at 1724 Treasure Lake, Sandy Township. Officers were advised that Lanigan had assaulted his parents and had stabbed both victims with a knife.
Upon arrival at the residence, officers were informed by Clearfield County Control that Lanigan’s parents were located in a bathroom on the first floor and were bleeding from stab wounds. Officers knocked on the front door and were unable to gain entry. Officers were then advised by Clearfield County Control that Lanigan had gained access to the bathroom and was continuing in the assault. Officers then went to the back of the residence and were able to observe Lanigan assaulting his parents with a knife. Officers gained entry to the residence and were able to terminate the assault. Officers located the victims in the bathroom of the master bedroom. Emergency services were requested at the scene.
Shaw stated that he was extremely pleased with the rapid response of the Sandy Township Police Department. Shaw noted that “the quick action of these officers saved lives.”
Shaw stated that “the officers were advised of an ongoing assault and took every action to verify the report and terminate the attack.”
An arrest warrant has been issued for Lanigan’s arrest and it is anticipated that Lanigan will be arraigned before a Magisterial District Judge on March 17.