Argument in Lake Wales Leads to Gunfire and Arrest of Two Men

Photo byPolk County Sheriff's Office

By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)

Published September 30th, 2024

Lake Wales, FL — A heated confrontation escalated into gunfire Sunday evening, September 29, 2024, leading to the arrest of two men by deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).

At approximately 8:11 p.m., deputies responded to a disturbance on Tupelo Lane in Lake Wales after reports of gunshots being fired. The incident began when three women arrived at the residence to retrieve personal belongings. Upon stopping at the gate, a vehicle driven by 25-year-old Dawson Watson pulled up behind them, blocking their vehicle.

Words were exchanged between Watson and the women, and as Watson began walking toward his residence, 43-year-old Billy Paul Ross exited the house and walked toward the gate. In an escalation of tensions, Watson jumped back over the gate and approached one of the women aggressively, sparking a physical altercation.

As the situation intensified, multiple gunshots were fired into the ground. Fearing for their safety, the women retreated to their vehicle. At this point, Ross approached the car, and when one of the women attempted to call law enforcement, Ross reached into the vehicle and tried to take her phone. He also threatened the occupants with a firearm.

The victims managed to drive away, but as they left, they reported hearing additional gunshots.

Following the incident, both Dawson Watson and Billy Paul Ross were arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail.

Watson was charged with battery, while Ross faces several more serious charges, including:

• Armed burglary with assault
• Display of a firearm during a felony offense
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (3 counts)
• Tampering with a witness

The investigation remains ongoing.

For more information and updates on the case, visit the Polk County Sheriff's Office website or follow their social media channels.

Key Takeaways:

1. A confrontation in Lake Wales on September 29, 2024, resulted in gunfire and the arrest of two men.
2. Dawson Watson was charged with battery, while Billy Paul Ross faces multiple charges, including armed burglary and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
3. The incident began when three women arrived at a residence to collect personal belongings and escalated when Watson blocked their vehicle.
4. Ross attempted to take a victim's phone and threatened the women with a firearm.
5. Gunshots were fired, though no injuries were reported.

Photo byiSkyCreations - News & Media

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