A Lansford man involved in a standoff with police at a Lansford residence last May was sentenced on Thursday afternoon to serve five to 10 years in a state correctional institution.

Brad Robert Simpson, 40, was sentenced by President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II in the standoff case and two other incidents in which he previously entered guilty pleas.

In the standoff case he was sentenced on one count each of possession of a firearm prohibitive, a felony 2; and misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and resisting arrest. In exchange for the pleas, the district attorney’s office dropped two felony counts of aggravated assault.

He also was sentenced on one count each of unauthorized use of an automobile in a second case and possession of a small amount of marijuana in a third case. A fine of $250 was imposed in that case.

Standoff

The standoff occurred on May 2 when Lansford police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Snyder Avenue for an unwanted person. On scene, officers entered the home and found Simpson inside, holding a firearm in a threatening manner toward police. Police ordered him to drop the weapon but refused. Officers then exited the residence for safety reasons. Before leaving, shots were filed by the officers, it was stated.

At the guilty plea proceeding, District Attorney Michael S. Greek told the court the initial report that Simpson had fired shots at the officers were dismissed after a ballistics report indicated the gun Simpson had that day had not been fired as first reported.

The unauthorized use of an automobile occurred on Aug. 21, 2019, filed by Lansford police on information received from a neighbor of Simpson. He was arrested operating the vehicle by state police at a location of Monroe County. The vehicle owner said she didn’t give him permission to use the vehicle. The possession of a small amount of marijuana incident occurred on Dec. 4, 2019, also filed by Lansford police.

Simpson apologized for his actions in the standoff stating, “I never meant to harm anyone.”

Simpson said he had suicidal feelings the day of the incident and that there was only one shell in his gun. He said he intended to use that shell to kill himself, but later change his mind.

His attorney, William A. Watkins, said his client realized the seriousness of the crimes he committed.

Simpson admitted to mental health issues and is currently on medication.

In addition to the prison term, Simpson was ordered to get both mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations, supply a DNA sample, pay court costs of about $1,000 and pay restitution for damages to the Lansford property where the standoff occurred, totaling $20,148.38.

He was given credit for 20 days served on the unauthorized use charge. His sentencing was done by video conference from the county prison.