Lawson charged in Shell shooting

A second person has been charged in the point-blank shooting of a man outside the Shell station on Smithville Highway earlier this year.

The new suspect, Dustin Lawson, has been named in a sealed indictment rendered by the grand jury charging attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault. He is being held under $75,000 bond awaiting an attorney and arraignment on July 25.

He joins co-defendant and alleged shooter Coy Yates who is being held under $200,000 bond awaiting his March 18 plea or assignment date. Yates faces identical charges.

They are charged with the January shooting of Timothy L. Blakely, who was wounded by a single gunshot to the chest, allegedly fired at point-blank range by Yates.

While Lawson is not accused of firing the shot, lawmen say he acted as the ‘wheel man’ for Yates and assisted in his flight from the scene and his apprehension. Lawson’s alleged participation means he could face as long as Yates if convicted as attempted second-degree murder carries eight to 12 years in prison.

Evidence suggests Blakely and Yates had words earlier in the evening and then met for a second time during the pre-dawn hours outside Shell. Blakely said he believes he was being confronted because he had slept with Yates’ girlfriend.

It was during the second confrontation, police were told, that Yates pulled out a gun. At that point, Blakely reportedly walked toward him with intentions of disarming his foe. Blakely was treated and released from the hospital.