Police Thwart Murder/Suicide Plan

"KILGORE, TX — On Thursday, May 2, 2013, at approximately 4:35 pm Kilgore Police responded to the 500 Block of Gladewater Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle/welfare concern.

"Upon arrival, police officers encountered William Lawson, 50 years of age, of Kilgore and his father, Robert Emmett Lawson, 76 years of age, of Kilgore, inside a 1985 Chevrolet pick-up. Officers noticed a strong smell of propane gas and observed signs on the truck windows that said `Danger Propane`.

"Officers initiated contact with William Lawson, who threatened to ignite the propane and kill himself, his father and the responding officers. Officers could see the windows fogging up on the truck and with the assistance of the Kilgore Fire Department, the truck was breached and the occupants removed. During the breach William Lawson was observed attempting to strangle his father. A propane tank was recovered from inside the truck.

"Both parties were transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Kilgore for medical treatment. Robert Lawson was determined to be in critical condition and was subsequently transferred to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview.

"William Lawson is currently being detained by police and will be charged with attempted murder."

From KETK...