On the evening of September 19, 2024, a tragic event unfolded at the Ellwood City Forge in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, ending the life of 36-year-old Timothy J. Bollman, a Black / African American male. Bollman, a maintenance employee from Fombell, was fatally shot multiple times inside the manufacturing facility where he worked. The incident prompted a response from the Ellwood City Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police around 6:30 p.m.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Bollman deceased inside one of the buildings, with several spent 9mm shell casings found near his body.
The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Timothy Woods, a former employee of the forge. A witness reported seeing Woods emerge from the woods behind the facility. When told he could not be on the property, Woods stated that he was looking for Bollman and proceeded to walk inside. Shortly after, the witness heard several gunshots. Surveillance footage later showed Woods running past the guard station and then fleeing from the area where Bollman had been shot. After fleeing the scene on foot, Woods contacted a woman and confessed to killing Bollman, also threatening to harm himself.
Law enforcement was able to track Woods to a residence on Belton Road in North Sewickley Township. Police established a perimeter around the home, and Woods eventually surrendered to authorities without further incident. A 9mm pistol, consistent with the evidence found at the crime scene, was recovered from the residence. Investigators also discovered that Woods had purchased the firearm on the same day as the shooting and possessed an expired concealed carry permit. Woods was arrested and taken to the Lawrence County Jail, where he awaits arraignment. He is facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, and recklessly endangering another person. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Timothy Bollman was remembered as a dedicated family man who is survived by his wife, Hayley, and their two children. He was known for his passion for motorcycles, particularly his Yamaha R6, and was a car enthusiast. Friends and family recalled his love for the Outer Banks in North Carolina and his mother's cooking. The community was left heartbroken by the violent act, with Ellwood City Forge closing for the remainder of the week to provide support and resources to its employees.
