Suspects Arrested on Drug Charges Due To Off-Duty Officer's Investigation

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Suspects Arrested on Drug Charges Due To Off-Duty Officer's Investigation

Posted: 04/26/2011
Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown and Police Chief David Rausch named Knoxville Police Department Officer Matt Lawson the January Officer of the Month.

Officer Lawson has been with KPD since August 2008.

Chief Rausch said that on January 23, 2011, at approximately 4:05 a.m., Officer Lawson was on his way home after his shift was over when he noticed a Lexus with two occupants and its engine running in the parking lot of a closed business on Kingston Pike. Fearing these could be burglars, Officer Lawson took the time to stop and conduct an interview with the two occupants.

The driver indicated he was driving his brother to his BMW that was parked in the same parking lot.

Chief Rausch said, "Although their story seemed to check out okay, Officer Lawson discovered that the driver's license of the vehicle's operator had been revoked for DUI. Officer Lawson was also informed by dispatch that they had received a recent complaint of two vehicles selling drugs in the area."

Officer Lawson requested a K9 officer to respond to the scene. The K9 alerted on both vehicles. A small baggy containing 6.6 grams of a substance believed to be marijuana was discovered in the Lexus. During the search of the BMW, 152.8 grams of a substance believed to be marijuana was discovered in a hidden compartment behind the rear seat. The substance was packaged in 4 large plastic bags in addition to 12 small plastic bags.

Officer Lawson charged the BMW owner with Possession of Schedule VI for Resale and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Lexus driver was charged with Driving on a Revoked License and Simple Possession.

Chief Rausch said. "Officer Lawson's attentiveness resulted in the removal of two criminals from our community."

Mayor Brown said, "Officer Lawson is commended for his outstanding effort in helping to keep our city safe."

Suspects:

Lexus Driver
James Brown
DOB: 9-21-86
Farragut, TN address

BMW Driver
Calvin Brown
DOB: 4-28-89
Knoxville, TN address

Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.