Knoxville, TN – The Knoxville Police Department honored several officers and law enforcement personnel for their actions during a violent incident on July 12 that left a crime scene technician wounded by gunfire.
At approximately 11 p.m., KPD Forensics Unit members and patrol officers responded to a report that shots had been fired into an occupied home. While officers and crime scene technicians were processing the scene and searching for evidence, a suspect opened fire, striking Crime Scene Technician Cody Lawson in the arm.
Lawson suffered significant injuries but has continued her recovery. During a ceremony Thursday, she was awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of the wounds she sustained in the line of duty.
Sergeant Tim Campbell, Officer Seth Beeler and Officer Tucker Pate were also recognized with Meritorious Service Awards for their actions during the shooting, including helping Lawson reach safety after she was wounded.
Following the shooting, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted KPD in searching for the firearm used in the incident. The weapon had been hidden beneath thick kudzu in a heavily wooded area.
Special Agent Mark Jordan traveled from Memphis with his K-9 partner, Piper, to assist with the search. The team successfully located the hidden firearm.
KPD thanked the officers, technicians, ATF personnel and K-9 team for their courage, professionalism and dedication during the investigation and recognized the honorees for their service to the Knoxville community.
