Columbia police arrest man accused of stealing from gas station, running from officers

Columbia police arrested Barry Lawson after officers were dispatched to a gas station on Old 63 at the Break Time Convenience Store on Saturday night.

The clerk told police a man had come into the store who he recognized as someone who had stolen from the store a day before, police said.

Officers were given Lawson’s license plate number, and found a car matching the description of a vehicle reported stolen days before.

Hours later, officers said they saw Lawson driving on Old 63 and then parking at the Break Time.

Police said when Lawson got out of his car, officers commanded him to get on the ground.

Lawson followed police orders, but then tried to get up and run, police said. A struggle ensued between an officer and Lawson, and they both fell to the ground, police said.

Officers said they were able to get Lawson handcuffed, but Lawson took off running.

Lawson ran approximately 650 feet before he was apprehended again, police said.

Lawson was arrested and faces possible charges of resisting or interfering with arrest, stealing, tampering and a warrant for violation.