St. Pete Man Arrested in Trinity Stabbing Case

Philip Lawson got into an argument with a man at the Walgreens at 1841 Little Rd. in Trinity on Friday night, according to Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies.

The argument turned physical, and Lawson pulled a pocket knife and stabbed the man several times, according to an arrest report. The victim was cut on his left arm and the left side of his body.

The victim was taken to a local hospital.

Lawson, 41, admitted to deputies that he used the knife against the victim but claimed it was in self-defense.  However, Lawson’s friend said he tried to get her to hide the knife. He also tried to put it in her purse. It was found in the bushes next to the Walgreen’s.

The case is still under investigation, said Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Doug Tobin.

A deputy found a bag with two pills in it on Lawson that were later identified as hydromorphone.

Lawson, of 3750 42nd Ave, St. Petersburg, was booked into the land O’ Lakes jail and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance. He remained in jail Monday in lieu of $42,000 bail.

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