Man barricaded himself, fired shots from Crown Point house

A probable cause affidavit filed in Lake County Court Tuesday claims Vincent Dawson, 35, fired a gun several times after police had already deescalated an issue involving Dawson and his mother, Toni Dawson.

Vincent’s father, Anthony Dawson, told police he was in the hospital on the phone with Toni when he heard Vincent yelling at her in the background. Anthony called 911 because he feared for Toni’s safety, he told police. He said it sounded like Vincent was highly intoxicated.

Anthony also told police Vincent had access to two handguns, adding to his worries.

Vincent and his mother, Toni Dawson, were at home in the 700 block of East Street in Crown Point on Sunday night, according to the affidavit. Toni told police her son was upset but she said she felt safe staying at her house.

After police instructed Vincent not to yell at his mother and to quietly watch television in the garage — to which he agreed — they began to leave.

However, officers saw the lights on Vincent’s car, parked in the driveway, flash on and off, suggesting he used his key fob to lock or unlock the doors.

This caused officers to keep surveillance on the house from down the street, according to the affidavit. While doing so, they heard two gunshots come from the house and saw Vincent walking around by the garage entrance.

Officers made a tactical approach, prompting Vincent to move inside the garage and close the garage door.

Officers called Toni and were able to move her out of the house without injury.

Northwest Regional SWAT officers subsequently surrounded the house, at which point Vincent fired a shot out the back door of the garage. Minutes later, he fired another shot.

Eventually, SWAT officers used a chemical agent to flush Vincent from the house, where he was arrested.

At the Lake County Jail, Vincent reportedly said he didn’t know it was wrong to shoot a gun at his home.

Vincent has had alcohol, drug and mental problems for several years, Toni told police. She said he is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has been receiving treatment through Veterans Affairs.

Dawson is charged with three counts of intimidation — two Level 5 felonies and one Level 6 — and one count of criminal recklessness, also a Level 6 felony.

“When shots were fired, it compromised the safety of Toni Dawson, multiple officers who had set up a perimeter at (the house), and nearby residents who live on all sides of the Dawson home,” the affidavit says.