Testimony To Continue Against Three Accused In Ambushing OKC Officer

Dana Hertneky, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma City police officer shot several times with a military assault rifle will continue to testify Wednesday against the family accused in the crime.

Officer Katie Lawson was shot after a traffic stop in August of last year.

Hector Escalate pled guilty earlier this month to shooting Lawson with a civilian version of an M-16 assault rifle.

Escalate along with his brother, Alex Mercado, and mother, Vilma Escalate, are still facing conspiracy charges. Prosecutors say the plotted to kill offer Lawson to free Vilma Escalate's husband Hector Mencado.

Late Tuesday afternoon, officer Lawson took the stand and told jurors what led up to the shooting. Lawson told jurors she was responding to a call for assistance from a Sheriff's deputy.

9/27/2011 Related Story: Testimony Begins Against Mom, Sons Accused In Attacking Officer

That deputy, Heath Oldham, also took the stand Tuesday afternoon. He explained that after the stop and arrest of suspect Hector Mencado, Lawson left the scene and that's when he heard gunfire.

Oldham broke down on the stand after prosecutors asked what he saw when he turned the corner and saw Lawson after she had been shot.

Lawson was shot in the face, legs and body but still was able to return fire. She has since recovered and returned to duty.

Testimony will resume at 9 a.m. on Wednesday with Lawson back on the stand.