People v. Lawson CA2/5

FACTS

On July 3, 2022, Sean Wallace went to Big Shotz Bar and Grill (Big Shotz) in Lancaster with a female friend.2 Wallace and his friend were only in the bar briefly; they were not permitted to remain inside the bar because of the friend’s attire. The friend argued with the security guard because she wanted to go back inside the bar. Wallace was trying to get her to leave. Lawson, who was also outside the entrance to the bar, appeared to be arguing with another person. Lawson and Wallace’s friend began arguing. Lawson’s demeanor was very aggressive—he “got in [Wallace’s friend’s] face[,]” and looked as if he might hit her. Wallace stepped between Lawson and his friend and pushed Lawson away from her. Wallace told Lawson to stay out of his friend’s face. The men separated and looked at each other. Lawson yelled, “Blood, I am about to shoot these mother fuckers up.” Lawson started moving toward his car and Wallace ran, believing that Lawson intended to retrieve a gun. Wallace saw Lawson open the trunk of his car and pull out a gun. As Wallace was running away he heard about four shots fired. A bullet hit Wallace in the leg. He limped into the bar and told everyone that he had…