INCIDENT NEAR HIGHWAY 146, Livingston, May 21, 2008 - On May 20, 2008 at 10:37 pm a 911 call came to the Polk County Sheriff's Department to report a kidnapping. The victim was Crystal Lawson, 39, of Livingston. Crystal Lawson separated from her common-law husband, George Raymond Alford, 51 of Shepherd several weeks ago and moved back in with her family in Livingston. The reason for the 911 call to the Sheriff's Department was because now George Alford appeared at Crystal's new residence, entered the residence with a rifle and a pistol and held a family member at gun point yelling for Crystal. During this time, Alford shot 2 of the family's dogs, killing one (the other one had to be put down due to massive injuries). According to witnesses, Lawson was abducted at gunpoint. In addition, the Polk County Sheriff's Department had been informed by the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Department that Alford had taken a vehicle from San Jacinto County. Assisting in the search were two Texas Rangers (Ron Duff and Frank Huff), and the Livingston Police Department. Also assisting in the search were Constable Pct. 1 Charles Clack and Constable Pct. 2 Bill Cunningham. By 8:15 on May 21, the Polk S.O. had received a tip on the possible whereabouts of the suspect's vehicle. A perimeter was established and this morning Canines were brought in from the Polunsky Unit and the Gib Lewis unit to track down Alford. Americare Ambulance Service stoodby in the event that they might have been needed. Shortly after the canine's search began, a single gunshot was heard. The canine units were able to locate Alford and found him in a wooded area deceased with a single gunshot wound. At 12:03 pm a 911 call came to Polk County Sheriff's Department and someone advised of the whereabouts of Crystal Lawson, the tip did in fact lead to Lawson who was located on Highway 2665 east of Highway 59. Lawson was transported to Hermann Hospital in Houston by helicopter with serious injuries. An investigation into the incident is still underway.
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