Trooper injured in chase transported to Shepherd Center with spinal injury

Trooper injured in chase transported to Shepherd Center with spinal injury Published April 18th, 2013 3:07 pm

Trooper James C. Lawson, 41, of Gate City

Related: Suspect in Scott County chase faces additional charges

ATLANTA -- A Virginia State Police trooper who was seriously injured during a high-speed pursuit in Scott County last week was transferred today to Shepherd Center in Atlanta for further treatment on a spinal chord injury he sustained.

According to the hospital, Trooper James C. Lawson, 41, of Gate City, was admitted to the Shepherd Center's Spinal Cord Injury unit for evaluation, care and observation.

Once doctors have determined a proper treatment plan for Lawson, he will begin a rigorous rehabilitation program under the guidance of a full team of specialists, a Shepherd Center spokeswoman said.

Prior to his transfer Thursday, Lawson had been receiving treatment at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport since his April 9 wreck. Lawson was injured during a high-speed pursuit through Scott County.

The suspect in the chase, Jason Byrns, 33, of Kingsport, allegedly rammed Lawson's cruiser at one point during the pursuit on Daniel Boone Road, causing it to hit a parked truck head on.

Lawson had to be transported to Holston Valley by Med-Flight following the wreck and was listed in serious condition for over 24 hours afterwards. Following a week of treatment, Lawson was transported by the VSP to the Atlanta facility Thursday morning.

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Trooper injured in chase transported to Shepherd Center with spinal injury