The following is a press release issued by the Willits Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On November 15th, 2022 at about 4:33pm, Willits PD (WPD) Officers stopped a vehicle in the Safeway parking lot for expired registration, and additional equipment violations. The driver was identified as Steven Lawson (from Ukiah), who admitted he did not have a license.
While one Officer conducted a check on Lawson, the other officer observed Lawson manipulating a baggy with a white crystalline substance on his lap. Lawson was detained, and a search of his person revealed a live flare gun round in his pocket. A flare gun, the same caliber as the ammunition found in his pocket, was found underneath Lawson’s seat. Per 16520 PC, the flare gun is considered a firearm. Lawson is a felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The methamphetamine was later weighed and determined to be 22 grams.
Lawson was later transported and booked into county jail for violation of; 11377(a) HS [Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine]. 29800(a)(1) PC [Felon in Possession of a Firearm], 11370.1 HS [Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed], and 30305(a)(1) PC [Felon in Possession of Ammunition].
If you lose your meth bag in the dark of night how do you expect to find it if you don’t have a flare gun?
At least he got a haircut since his last meth bust at the cemetery a year ago…