LAKE HAVASU CITY – A Lake Havasu City man charged with a weapons offense during a November dispute expressed bewilderment during his January 6 change of plea hearing in Kingman.
“I worked my tail off and became the vice president of a bank and had a very nice career,” Gregory McDougall. “I don’t understand why somebody like me could be going to jail. I’m an upstanding citizen.”
McDougall, 74, told Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle that he had never been in trouble before and is unfamiliar with the nuance of legal proceedings.
“To be honest with you, I’m afraid to ask any questions,” McDougall said. Judge Carlisle told him to ask any questions he has because it’s important that he fully understand the consequences of his legal decisions.
Lake Havasu City police responded the afternoon of Nov. 16, 2025 to a report of a disturbance involving a firearm at a residence in the 2500 block of Pebble Beach Loop. Deputy Mohave County Attorney Rod Albright said there was an argument with McDougall’s ex-wife and her friend.
A police report indicated that witnesses said McDougall cursed them and retrieved a firearm from his vehicle before pointing the weapon at a person. McDougall admits possessing the handgun but denied pointing it at anyone.
“Mr. (victim name deleted) came after me. I did not come after him. He started the argument,” McDougall told the court. “I was afraid for my safety. The guy outweighed me.”
Judge Carlisle told the defendant that no one was forcing him to enter a plea agreement and that he is free to present a self-defense argument at trial.
“I’m afraid to go to trial, your Honor,” McDougall said.
McDougall pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct involving a weapon. He is guaranteed supervised probation but could get up to a year in jail when sentenced on February 9.
Dave Hawkins
