Clayton, DE- Delaware State Police arrested Richard C. Lawson III, 33, of New Castle, on attempted murder and related charges Friday night.
On October 1, 2021, at approximately 9:48 p.m., troopers were dispatched to a residence in the 3900 block of Wheatleys Pond Road for a shooting incident. Upon arrival, troopers contacted the 33-year-old female victim, who had an apparent gunshot wound to the face. The investigation determined the victim was driving on Wheatleys Pond Road in her vehicle with an acquaintance, Richard C. Lawson III when a verbal argument ensued. The argument escalated to a physical altercation before Lawson produced a handgun and shot the victim. After being shot, the victim went for help at a nearby residence. Law Enforcement Officers responded to the area and located Lawson on foot in the 4700 block of Wheatleys Pond Road. He was taken into custody and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:
- Attempted First Degree Murder (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Lawson was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #7 and committed to Howard R Young Correctional Institution on a $100,000.00 cash bond.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and admitted in stable condition.
This case remains under investigation by Delaware State Police Criminal Investigative Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Detective Shawn Ryan by calling 302-697-4454. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at Debra.Reed@delaware.gov.
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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper
Released: 100221 1112
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