Man arrested after eight-hour standoff

TOWN OF LEBANON, NY » A town man was arrested on arson and menacing charges following an eight-hour standoff with police.

Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call that came in to Madison County E-911 around 7 p.m. on Feb. 17 of reports of a man with a gun threatening to hurt himself and others at a residence in the town.

According to police, when deputies arrived at 1266 Route 12B, they found that Joshua A. Wilcox, 41, was armed and had barricaded himself inside the home along with members of his family. Deputies were able to evacuate the family without incident. During the standoff, Wilcox continued to threaten to hurt himself, according to police.

During an eight hour-standoff, negotiators worked to talk Wilcox down. Around 3 a.m. on February 18, Wilcox allegedly set fire to the residence. After that, Wilcox surrendered himself to officers who took him into custody.

“I commend all of the responding officers for their hard work last night to ensure that no lives were lost during this incident,” Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood said. “Unfortunately, much of the residence was destroyed in the fire, but no lives were lost and that is always our objective.”

Wilcox was charged with second-degree menacing and thirddegree arson. He was evaluated by medical personnel on the scene and transported for mental health evaluation, officials said.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New York State Police, Hamilton Police Department, Hamilton Fire Department, SUNY Morrisville Police, Southern Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SOMAC), Smithfield Eaton Ambulance Corps (SEVAC), Madison County Emergency Management, Madison Fire Department, Eaton Fire Department, Hubbardsville Fire Department, and Earlville Fire Department.

SUBMITTED PHOTO A fire at the residence of 1266 Route 12B in Lebanon, allegedly set by Joshua A. Wilcox, age 41, in an eight-hour standoff with law enforcement.