Police Arrest 3 Accused of Shooting Oklahoma City Officer

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Police have arrested three people accused of shooting an Oklahoma City police officer Sunday night.

Investigators say 27-year-old officer Katie Lawson had just finished helping an Oklahoma County Sheriff's deputy arrest a man, Hector Mercado, for DUI.  Shortly after Lawson left that scene, someone with a gun opened fire on her car in the 3900 block of North Miller.

Officer Lawson was hit, but managed to return fire and call for help. She's now in the hospital in good condition.

Officers took three people into custody at the scene and questioned them. They later arrested 17-year-old Alex Mercado, 18-year-old Hector Escalante and 52-year-old Vilma Escalante for shooting with intent to kill.

Police are not saying if Alex Mercado and Hector Mercado are related. Hector Mercado is not charged in the shooting. He was arrested for public intoxication.

Officers executed a warrant on a house in the 2700 block of N.W. 38th Street Monday morning, searching for more evidence.

"Anytime an officer, a fellow officer is shot out here, protecting the citizens of Oklahoma City, it is emotional," said Oklahoma City Police Capt. Patrick Stewart. "Officers don't' expect that to happen, they know that it's a potential part of the job. It's not something that we deal with on a routine basis, and we're just glad that she's OK." 

Officer Lawson has been on the force for four years.

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