Ellwood City Forge employee shot and killed by former worker, police say
ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. (KDKA) — An employee was shot and killed at Ellwood City Forge in Lawrence County on Thursday night by a former worker, police said.
Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court said law enforcement was called to the manufacturing facility on Commercial Avenue in Ellwood City around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday for the shooting, which happened inside the building.
According to the criminal complaint, 31-year-old Timothy Woods, a former employee, came to the facility and shot and killed 36-year-old Timothy Bollman.
Troopers said they found Bollman dead inside one of the buildings with multiple gunshot wounds.
A witness told police he had seen Woods, who he recognized as a former employee, walk out of the woods behind Ellwood City Forge. Police said the witness told Woods he couldn't be there, and Woods replied that he was looking for Bollman. Woods then walked inside, and the witness told police he heard several gunshots.
Investigators said they reviewed camera footage that showed Woods running past the guard station. Woods was then seen running away from where Bollman had been shot, police said.
Shortly before 7 p.m., troopers said a woman called 911 and said that Woods told her that he had just killed Bollman and was threatening to kill himself. Police set up a perimeter around the home and arrested Woods when he came out.
According to investigators, records showed Woods had bought a 9mm caliber firearm that day. Police said Woods had an expired concealed carry permit.
Community "heartbroken" by shooting at Ellwood City Forge
"Heartbroken," Mayor Court said. "Heartbroken for all involved. Sad. It's not Ellwood City."
Bollman's cousins didn't want to speak to KDKA-TV on camera, but she said Bollman was a good guy, and she's still in shock, just like a lot of people in the Ellwood City community.
"I mean, it's ridiculous," resident Greg Lutz said.
Rumors quickly spread after the shooting.
"After class, we're walking out and we were informed that there was an active shooting at the forge," Paula Keane of Ellwood City said.
No matter who KDKA-TV spoke with on Thursday and Friday, it's been hard for people in the community to process.
"The whole situation is difficult for me to comprehend at this time," Court said. .
"My nephew works there," Jennifer Behm of Volant, Lawrence County, said. "[It] makes me worried, worried. Worried about Ellwood City."
Ellwood City Forge manufactures a wide range of metals. The mayor said it is an important business in the city.
The company released a statement Friday saying the facility will be closed through the weekend.
"We are shocked and saddened by this event and our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of everyone impacted by this situation," Ellwood City Forge president Valli Senthilnathan said in a statement.
"Our team experienced an awful event and terrible loss last night. The safety and wellbeing of our team members is our primary concern, and we will work with them to provide the support and resources needed as we process this tragedy."
Woods is facing multiple charges, including homicide, recklessly endangering another person and a firearms violation.
