Springettsbury Township, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Springettsbury Township police arrested 79-year-old Charles Knokey for terroristic threats and simple assault following a domestic incident on San Gabriel Drive. The dispute involved threats to kill the victim and resulted in physical injuries. Law enforcement ensured the victim’s safety, and the York County Quick Response Team responded to assist in safely apprehending Knokey, who was found armed. Precautionary secure status was briefly implemented in nearby schools before being lifted.
Springettsbury Township police responded to a domestic incident on September 22, resulting in the arrest of 79-year-old Charles Knokey for Terroristic Threats and Simple Assault. The incident took place in the 1700 block of San Gabriel Drive and was reported at 10:42 a.m., involving a verbal dispute in which Knokey allegedly threatened to kill the victim and inflicted physical injuries.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers located the victim outside the residence, ensuring her safety. Authorities learned that Knokey remained inside his home, armed and uncooperative. Reports indicated that numerous firearms were present at the scene, prompting the involvement of the York County Quick Response Team (YCQRT) for a safe apprehension.
After negotiating access, members of the YCQRT successfully entered the home and took Knokey into custody without further incident. He was subsequently transported to York Hospital for evaluation following his arrest. The charges against him include one count of Terroristic Threats and one count of Simple Assault, and he is scheduled for arraignment upon his release from the hospital.
In light of the situation, the Central York School District implemented a secure status at North Hills Elementary and Central York Middle School as a precautionary measure. The secure status was lifted after authorities resolved the incident and determined that the environment was safe. The school district communicated the all-clear to families around 1 p.m., noting that school faculty and staff maintained regular operations throughout the secure status, which did not involve students.
During the incident, local law enforcement from Springettsbury Township, Hellam Township, and York County Regional Police arrived on scene with emergency medical services and a York County 911 mobile command unit. Roads in the vicinity of San Gabriel Drive and Tulsa Road were temporarily closed as part of the response protocol.
Incident Overview
- Location: 1700 block of San Gabriel Drive, Springettsbury Township
- Date and Time: September 22, 10:42 a.m.
- Individual Involved: Charles Knokey, 79 years old
- Charges: Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault
- Status of Victim: Safely removed from the residence
- Response Teams: Springettsbury Township Police, York County Quick Response Team, EMS
- School Response: Secure status at Central York Schools
Background
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence and the potential for armed conflicts in such disputes. With the presence of firearms in the home, local authorities took decisive action to ensure public safety while responding to the reported threats. The incident also serves as a reminder for communities on the importance of reporting domestic disputes and seeking intervention from law enforcement when necessary.
FAQs
What charges were brought against Charles Knokey?
What prompted the secure status in the schools?
How did police respond to the situation?
Were there any injuries reported during the incident?
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Domestic dispute involving threats and physical assault |
| Location | 1700 block of San Gabriel Drive, Springettsbury Township |
| Charges Against Suspect | Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault |
| Victim Status | Safely evacuated from the situation |
| Police Response | Springettsbury Township, YC Quick Response Team, EMS |
| School Impact | Secure status placed on two schools, lifted after incident resolution |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- York Daily Record
- FOX43
- WGAL
- Local21 News
- FOX43 Video Report
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Intervention
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- Google News: Springettsbury Police Incident
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
