SPRINGVILLE – On September 25, 2024, William Phillips of Springville was arrested and charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness with a firearm following an incident reported the previous day.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Bailey Duprey of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the department received a call on September 24 indicating that Phillips had shot at his son inside their home. Upon arrival, officers observed a revolver on top of a water heater on the front porch and identified the elder Phillips as the suspect.
The son informed officers that he had been arguing with his father when William Phillips fired a shot from his bedroom, which is located at the south end of the residence. The kitchen and other rooms where the son was present are north of the bedroom. After the shot was fired, the son managed to take the revolver away from his father and awaited law enforcement’s arrival.
Upon questioning, William Phillips stated, “I’m gonna just save you guys some time,” and explained that the argument stemmed from his belief that his son had not worked in three years. He described feeling bullied by his son and claimed that he shot the gun to prevent him from entering the bedroom. Officers found a bullet trail in the hallway, with one bullet lodged in a door frame, consistent with the use of a .22 caliber firearm. Phillips confirmed that he had fired a .22 Long Rifle revolver inherited from his father.
The firearm was seized and secured as evidence, revealing three cartridges in the cylinder—one discharged and two live rounds. Statements from both William Phillips and his son were recorded on body cameras worn by the responding officers.
Phillips has been transported to the Lawrence County Jail without incident.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
