Merced police officer attacked during call at Starbucks

A Merced police officer was injured Monday when he was attacked at the Starbucks on West Main Street while on duty, the Merced Police Department reported.

Officer Danny Richardson responded to reports of an assault at the Starbucks just before 9:30 a.m. While Richardson was conducting interviews, witnesses said the suspect was outside, and they directed Richardson to Lawson Williams. As Richardson approached, Williams attacked him with a “multi-purpose tool” and cut him on the neck, Merced Capt. Tom Trindad reported.

An ambulance took Richardson to the hospital, where he was treated and released.

Williams, 45, was taken to a hospital to be cleared for booking. He later was jailed on suspicion of resisting arrest, threatening an officer, criminal terrorist threats, battery and attempted murder. His combined bail was more than $550,000.

Trindad said details about Williams were unclear.

The Police Department expressed thanks to Starbucks patrons who came to Richardson’s aid after the attack.

This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 5:28 PM with the headline "Merced police officer attacked during call at Starbucks."