Man Dies After Fall Following Phone Vendor Fight, Police Puzzle Over Conflicting Versions Of Story

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A 59-year-old man died days after a dispute involving an outdoor phone vendor at a Contra Costa County services building. Police are now investigating the incident and the man's death.

Officers responded at about 2:38 p.m. June 9 to the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services building at 4545 Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch after receiving reports of a battery at a phone vendor stand, according to Antioch police.

Investigators said the man, Paul Lawson, had an argument that escalated into a physical fight with employees working at the stand. During the confrontation, Lawson fell to the ground.

Witnesses provided conflicting accounts of how the fall occurred. Some told officers Lawson stumbled over a chair, while others reported he may have been pushed during the altercation.

After the fall, Lawson told authorities he could not move. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital for treatment.

Lawson remained hospitalized until June 13, when he died while receiving medical care, police said.

The Antioch Police Department has classified the case as an investigation into a death following an assault. Detectives continue to examine the events leading up to the incident and the circumstances surrounding Lawson's fall and subsequent injuries.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Detective Duff at rduff@antiochca.gov.