Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 15, 1995 TAG: 9508150069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Lt. R.E. Gray said Frank Lawrence, 77, fired a .22-caliber rifle, but it was unclear whether he fired at anyone.
Two rifles were removed from Lawrence's house after he was arrested; one had been fired, police said.
Police began surrounding the house that sits off Iowa Street, across from Valleydale Foods, about 9 p.m.
The Salem Emergency Response Team was called in about 10:30 p.m. and was able to approach the house and get Lawrence to come out.
Lawrence's niece, who would not give her name, said, ``I've never known him [Lawrence] to hurt anyone.''
Donald Wayne Lawrence heard that his uncle's house was being surrounded and came to see what was happening.
``I haven't seen him in over a year,'' Donald Lawrence said. ``I don't know why he would be shooting.''
Donald Lawrence described the elder Lawrence as ``a sheet metal man,'' explaining his craftsmanship with metals. He said Frank Lawrence holds a patent for a train mailbox and uses aluminum cans to create model airplanes.
Around 11, police led Frank Lawrence - hands cuffed behind his back - to a police cruiser and drove him to jail.
Gray said Lawrence will be charged with discharging a firearm and brandishing a weapon, based on the initial investigation. Other charges may follow.
by CNB