Mercer - Celina - Morning Armed Standoff press release - 

 

NEWS RELEASE: ARMED STANDOFF

 

On Friday, May 30, 2025 at about 8:51AM Celina Police were called to 525 S. Walnut St. in response to a domestic violence call.  Upon arrival it was found that 39 year old Dustin Lawson had assaulted two adult females. 

 

 Upon police arrival he stood in an open doorway with a 10 inch filet knife.  He barricaded himself inside.  There was a 15 year old child inside with him.

 

It had been reported in the days prior that he was not acting himself and possibly wanted suicide by cop.  He was out on bond from Mercer Co. Common Pleas Court on prior felony charges.  

 

During the 90 minute standoff officers were able to extract the 15 year old from the residence via a bedroom window.  Lawson came to the door several times, but would not surrender. A less-lethal shotgun with bean bag rounds was deployed in attempts to subdue Mr. Lawson, but he was able to retreat and secure the door.  

 

Celina officers began to break down the door when he attempted to leave out the back door.  He was confronted by officers and taken into custody without further incident.

 

Dustin Ray Lawson is being held in the Mercer Co. Jail on $100,000 bond on multiple misdemeanor charges including domestic violence, assault, inducing panic, obstructing official business and resisting arrest.  

 

The case is being further reviewed by the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.

 

Celina Police were assisted on scene by deputies from the Mercer Co. Sheriff’s Office.  Celina P.D. Tactical Response Team members were called out to make the entry.  Coldwater Police handled other calls in the City of Celina while officers were tied up on the standoff.  Celina P.D. would like to thank all agencies and the Mercer Co. Prosecutor Erin Minor for all assistance.