Police Release Audio of Oklahoma City Officer's Call for Help after Ambush

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City Police released Friday the recordings of an officer's radio call for help just moments after she was shot.

Officer Katie Lawson, 27, was shot Sunday, August 29, near N.W. 39th Street and N. Miller shortly after leaving a traffic stop.

Another officer first radioed dispatch to report the sound of gunshots near N.W. 39th Street and N. Linn Avenue.  Moments later, Officer Lawson called dispatch to report she'd been ambushed.

"I've been shot! I'm at 38th and Miller," reported Lawson.  "I need EMSA. Fast!"

According to a police affidavit, Officer Lawson had driven behind a closed business when she noticed a man in dark clothing standing beside a fence.  As she started to radio dispatch that she planned to talk to the man, he raised a rifle and opened fire on her patrol car.

Officer Lawson was struck several times in the leg, face and other parts of her body.  She was able to draw her gun, get out of the car, and return fire.  That's when the man stopped firing and ran away.

Police have arrested three people they say were behind the ambush; Vilma Escalante, 52, and her two sons, 18-year-old Hector Escalante and 17-year-old Alex Mercado.

Officer Lawson has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home.

More:

• Affidavit Reveals New Details about the Ambush of an Oklahoma City Police Officer
• Police Arrest 3 Accused of Shooting Oklahoma City Officer