Workplace shooting

Posted on September 15, 2021

By CAITLYN BURCHETT / Staff Writer

A typical Sunday night shift at the local West Fraser sawmill erupted into a hostage situation and workplace shooting after an employee allegedly held at least two co-workers against their will at gunpoint for nearly 20 minutes.

Alan Joseph Lawless, 37, of Perry, is being held on a $1,199,000 bond following an early-morning shooting incident on Sept. 13 at West Fraser, located at 1506 S. Byron Butler Parkway.

While no one was injured, Lawless was originally charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and improper exhibition of firearms. However, on Tuesday, the attempted murder charge was dropped and replaced by a felony obstruction of justice charge.

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