OC Sheriff files additional charge against Blackwell

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has filed an additional charge against 43-year-old Timothy Scott Blackwell, who barricaded himself inside his home Sunday after law enforcement responded to a domestic call.  Oconee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Jimmy Watt gives details.  “The additional charge, according to warrants, is possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a violent felony.  According to deputies, Blackwell unlawfully possessed a handgun.  An individual who is found guilty of this crime could be fined up to $2,000 and sentenced up to 5 years in prison.  In addition, the firearm and ammunition must be confiscated. A warrant that was issued yesterday charged Blackwell with criminal domestic violence in the second offense. Deputies say that Blackwell has an extensive criminal record, including convictions for burglary and grand larceny. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Blackwell Sunday evening without incident around 8:41pm after he barricaded himself inside his home at 103 Fairfield Road for most of the afternoon and evening.   The Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was put on standby and a command post was set up in the parking lot of Walhalla Middle School. The SWAT unit followed normal procedures in trying to resolve the situation and negotiators talked with Blackwell before he surrendered to deputies.  After surrendering, Blackwell was examined by paramedics of Oconee Medical Center where it was determined that he was fine.  Highway 183 was shut down for a time Sunday between Fowler Road and Freedom Drive, but the road reopened after Blackwell was taken into custody.” The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation and more charges may be pending.