Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault on Peace Officer

A man was arrested after he refused to leave a train car in San Marcos and then pulled out a knife as a police officer arrived on scene. 

The San Marcos Police Department arrested Benjamin Reece Lawton, 43, of Hazel Park, Mich., for aggravated assault on a public servant and criminal trespassing on Wednesday, Oct. 7. 

SMPD said officers responded to a community-initiated call at the east McCarty Lane railroad tracks at approximately 8:12 p.m. on Oct. 7. Police say the crew of a train that was stopped on the tracks reported that an individual was located on board and refused to leave despite their requests. 

Lawton pulled out a knife after a police officer located him inside a rail car. SMPD said the officer drew his firearm, gave verbal commands to drop the knife and Lawton retreated back into the rail car. 

Officials say Lawton eventually dropped the knife after refusing to leave the train, was tased and taken into custody. Lawton received a minor laceration injury to his leg during the incident, SMPD said. 

After police identified Lawton, it was discovered that he had an extensive criminal history and numerous assaultive offenses on peace officers out of multiple states, police said. Lawton was also wanted out of Tennessee, however, the warrant is no extradition. Lawton currently remains in the Hays County Jail with a bond of $155,000 for the two offenses.