Man allegedly threatens to hit grandfather with cane during argument

A Leesburg man was arrested for assault after allegedly threatening to hit his grandfather with a cane during an argument.  

Police responded to a battery at an undisclosed Leesburg residence at about 9:21 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  

Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the 82-year-old male victim who advised that he was in a verbal argument with his grandson, 31-year-old Michael Duane Lawson, over the use of a table. During the altercation, Lawson became agitated and pushed the table into the victim. He also grabbed a nearby beverage to douse him with, the report said. 

Lawson then acquired an aluminum cane and swung it in the victim’s direction, which was witnessed by the victim’s wife. This action caused the victim to fear that Lawson was going to intentionally strike him with the cane, the report said. 

While interviewing Lawson, he admitted to having the cane during the argument with the victim. He was subsequently placed into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail, the report said. 

While enroute to the jail, Lawson uttered statements about killing or physically harming himself, as well as threatening to return to the residence to cause further harm to the victim and other family members. Jail staff were notified of Lawson’s suicidal ideation so they could properly accommodate him, the report said. 

Lawson was ultimately charged with simple assault (domestic). He was initialy being held without bond, and a court date is set for Nov. 8.