Suspect allegedly broke into home, assaulted victim

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

A Washburn man is facing three felonies and a misdemeanor after allegedly breaking into a victim’s home, kidnapping and transporting the victim to another residence, then not allowing the victim to leave or call for help.

William Lawson Jr., born 1982, of Washburn, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, second-degree domestic assault and misdemeanor violation of order of protection.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Cpl. S. Bounds, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at about 8:38 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2025. Bounds said the victim reported Lawson allegedly came to her residence, picked the lock on the front door and entered the home. The victim said Lawson then allegedly assaulted her in her vehicle by placing her in a choke hold with his arm around her neck, and as she struggled to breathe and was trying to fight Lawson off, he allegedly bashed her head against the center console, pulled out her hair and slapped her in the face multiple times.

The victim stated Lawson allegedly took her against her will by shoving her out of the driver’s seat, and he deprived her of calling for help by taking her cell phone away. The victim stated Lawson allegedly drove her to his residence while keeping her in a choke hold, and when they arrived, she ran down the road and Lawson tackled her and was on top of her.

The victim said Lawson applied so much pressure against her she felt like she was going to pass out. The victim said she agreed to go back to Lawson’s residence, and while inside, Lawson held on to her wrist to prevent her from leaving. The victim said Lawson called a witness, identified by Bounds as his mother, on his cell phone, and the witness came upstairs and also would not allow the victim to use her cell phone to call 9-1-1.

The victim sustained a cut to he left knee, redness to her left thigh area, a cut to her right big tow, swelling on her right fifth finger and red markings on her neck.

The victim confirmed there was an active order of protection against Lawson, with whom she’s had a relationship.

A warrant has been issued for Lawson’s arrest, with a bond set at $100,000, cash only.