Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today the arrest of a 16 year old and 21 year old for intimidation and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Sheriff Lott stated that a hearing was being held today at the Richland County Courthouse, in connection with the homicide that occurred on May 23, 2008 at 525 Alcott Drive, when a 16 year old pointed his finger in the shape of a gun at Alex Smith in an attempt to threaten and intimidate him – Smith was at the hearing as a victim because a gun was pointed at him during the shooting on May 23 (Smith was also arrested in connection with possession of a pistol during that incident). Sheriff Lott stated that Alex’s family members witnessed the action and the 16 year old was arrested outside a courtroom in the County Courthouse. A short time later Christopher V. Lawson (DOB 1-24-87) was seen taking a 9mm pistol from his waistband outside the courthouse and he was arrested immediately by deputies.Sheriff Leon Lott stated that both the 16 year old and Lawson are gang members and this incident illustrates the issue that we have in our community with gangs and our youth.
May 29, 2008 | |||
