Lee County deputy comes to aid of Pennington Gap officer exposed to harmful powder

The quick thinking of a fellow officer likely saved the life of a Pennington Gap policeman after a medical emergency that was triggered by illegal drugs.

Lieutenant Matthew Lawson was briefly hospitalized then released following treatment for exposure to a white powdery substance during a traffic stop where narcotics were discovered.

A report from the town’s police department said Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy Sgt. Mason Cook came to Lawson’s aid when Lawson pulled over his patrol cruiser while having trouble breathing.

Cook radioed for medical help and then administered the overdose drug Narcan to Lawson.

The three suspects found with the illegal substances are all being held in jail without bond and will be arraigned on various drug charges.

Posted by Mountain Empire Public Safety 411 on Thursday, February 25, 2021

(IMAGE: PGPD VA)