Father of mall shooting suspect pleads for son to surrender

The father of the man wanted in Sunday's shooting at Harford Mall pleaded Wednesday for his son to surrender.

Police say Wesley Lyons Jr. shot a man three times during an argument at a preschooler's birthday party at the mall around 4 p.m. Sunday.

“There is a pre-existing relationship, some sort of pre-existing domestic relationship,” said Bel Air Police Cpl. Keith Smithson told 11 News.

Lyons' mother and girlfriend are charged with accessory after the fact. The father of the suspect of the same name appealed to his son in Bel Air: Surrender.

“I would like you to surrender,” said the father. “I know things aren't looking good for you, and I know you're probably running out of resources and things to do. But to help me, your mother, and your brothers be safe, You should surrender.”

Lyons Jr. was involved in a fight between two families that escalated into gunfire, police said.

“He was trying to smooth things over with this other guy, whoever he was, and he kept putting him down, and one thing led to another,” the father said.

Lyons Jr. fled in a maroon Jeep with his mother, Lisa Gregg, 60, and his girlfriend, Lateia Green, 37, investigators said. Police found the women inside the vehicle in Edgewood shortly after the shooting. Lyons Jr. remains at large.

Reached by phone, some family members disputed the police account of what happened.

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Authorities called the evidence against Lyons Jr. significant, saying it included “witness statements, the recovery of the suspect vehicle and the apprehension of the other two props, the two women who were arrested.”

“I hate that it’s come to this, but it’s time for you to step up and do what you have to do for your family,” the father said.

Lyons Jr. sells cars for a living and has children, according to his father. He has ties to Harford County, Baltimore County and Delaware, police said.

“I know he loves his children very much; it's something we talk about a lot. All he wants to do is take care of his children,” the father said.

Lyons Jr. is still considered armed and dangerous until more information is available, police said.

“Mr. Lyons is still considered armed and dangerous until we know otherwise,” Smithson said. “A firearm was used in this crime. No firearm has been found.”

The father said he had a good relationship with Lyons Jr., but had not spoken to him recently.

“I know he’s strapped for resources,” the father said. “He's probably tired, exhausted, he'd like it all to be over with.”

Lyons Jr. has a criminal history dating back to 2007, according to online records. Charges include armed robbery, identity fraud, drug possession and possession of drugs with intent to distribute on school property.