Roodhouse man pleaded “guilty” to assaulting an officer in 2015

By Ryne Turke on August 25, 2016 at 12:34pm

A Roodhouse man, arrested last year for allegedly assaulting a police officer with a weapon, is no longer behind bars.

Thirty-five-year-old David Lawson Jr. pleaded guilty to the 2015 charge in Greene County Court Monday. An aggravated domestic battery charge was dropped in the plea deal.

Lawson, who was given credit for 195 days served in jail, received a sentence of 24 months of probation and a $15 a month probation fee. Lawson must continue to follow drug and alcohol treatment recommendations.

Greene County State’s Attorney Caleb Briscoe addressed the sentencing in a statement to WLDS-WEAI News.

According to Briscoe, “As far as the disposition goes, Mr. Lawson spent a significant amount of time locally incarcerated, over six months. Since his release on bond, he has taken drastic steps and made significant progress towards addressing the issues that brought him into the criminal justice system. In weighing what is best for our community, and for Mr. Lawson, I believe that an extended term of community corrections was appropriate over additional incarceration.”

Briscoe added, “Hopefully the Probation Department can continue working with him so that he can avoid future involvement in the criminal justice system. Additionally, with the 24 months Probation we can hold him accountable for his future decisions and request more incarceration in the event he does not comply with the terms of his Probation.”

According to the Roodhouse Police Department, Lawson was arrested on September 26th after an officer responded to a domestic disturbance in progress.

Two men, one of which was Lawson, were reportedly standing in the front yard of the residence.

Lawson had allegedly pulled a knife on the other man and tried to attack him previously. While the officer was on scene, Lawson allegedly pulled another knife out, raised his arm and began moving towards the officer.

Reports claim the unnamed officer contemplated using deadly force after describing himself as “being in fear for his life.”

The officer instead used a taser on Lawson, because the other man was positioned behind Lawson and trying to get the knife out of his hands.

The case was continued to November 8th for review.