ELYRIA, Ohio — An Elyria man is facing an assault charge after police say a dispute with a friend escalated into a violent incident that included allegations of strangulation and repeated blows to the head.
According to a report from the Elyria Police Department, officers were dispatched around 8:20 p.m. on April 9 to Ely Stadium for an assault complaint. The victim told police he had just fled an altercation involving a man he identified as a friend, later confirmed as Justin Lawson.
Police said the victim appeared visibly shaken and had swelling on the top of his head when officers made contact with him inside his vehicle.
The victim described a prior relationship with Lawson, telling officers the two were friends and had helped each other in the past. He said Lawson had even stayed at his home during colder weather because his residence did not have heat.
According to the report, the victim said Lawson invited him over earlier that evening for a bonfire at a residence on Scott Court. He told officers that Lawson and others were drinking alcohol and using drugs, though he stated that he does not use drugs himself.
An argument began between the two men, which the victim said was related to Lawson’s past behavior and drug use.
During the dispute, the victim told police Lawson “attempted to strangle him with both hands” and “punched him multiple times in the head with a closed fist.”
The victim said he tried to defend himself, but the assault continued. He told officers Lawson then shoved him toward a nearby boat and told him to “get his gun so he could shoot him.”
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Fearing for his safety, the victim said he attempted to leave the area. As he tried to get into his vehicle, he reported that Lawson continued to strike him several more times.
Once inside, the victim told police Lawson ran up to the driver’s side window and struck it repeatedly. Officers later observed multiple handprints on the outside of the window consistent with that account.
The victim fled the scene and drove to Ely Stadium, where he called 911. He told officers he felt dizzy following the incident.
While one officer remained with the victim, other officers responded to the Scott Court residence. Police said Lawson was located on the property but initially ignored officers and went inside a nearby camper.
Additional officers arrived, and Lawson was later taken into custody without further incident. Police noted that Lawson appeared to be intoxicated.
According to the report, Lawson told officers the incident was a mutual fight but admitted he initiated the confrontation after being shoved. No other witnesses reported seeing the altercation.
Lawson was charged with misdemeanor assault and transported to the Lorain County Jail. Court records show he is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing on April 16 in Elyria Municipal Court. Bond was set at $1,000.
Jail records indicate Lawson has prior cases, including a 2025 incident involving charges of intimidation and assault, as well as a probation violation later that year.
The case remains under investigation.