Officer Bryan Lawrence paralyzed
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By John Carlin
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: May 15, 2008
The verification comes just feet away from the officer down statue in front of the Roanoke Police Department. Officer Bryan Lawrence is in rough shape.
His friend, Sgt. Jeff Bower confirms that things are not good. “Officer Lawrence did suffer a spinal injury and is paralyzed at the moment, and he’ll be seeking rehabilitation outside the state,” he said. Although Bower did not elaborate on where Lawrence might be taken, others have told WSLS-10 that he will be transferred to a hospital in Atlanta.
Police say William Steele Jr. stomped on the officer’s head or neck as he was trying to make an arrest Saturday night after a fight at a local gas station.
“The most caring person I’ve ever met in my entire life, I swear,” was the reaction of Williamson Road Business Area Association Executive Director Wendy Jones when asked about Lawrence.
“I don’t think there’s a whole lot of people in this community that Bryan hasn’t touched,” said Jones.
Officer Lawrence was as well known for his good deeds in the community as he was for his police work. Every Mother’s Day he would buy roses and bring them to a local nursing home to give to the people there. He’d already bought the roses on Saturday night, but he never made it on Sunday morning because of the attack.
Lawrence organized and ran an annual motorcycle fundraiser for Alzheimer’s patients. He also helped people with autism and Down syndrome.
He was eligible for retirement next year and wanted to be a minister.
“He is right now going to school to be a minister. He also interns as several area churches. That’s his calling when he retires.—is to be a minister, said Bower.
An officer down and a community just learning how far.
“He is like a rock and his faith is unshaken,” said Bower. “He has a lot of faith in god and that’s what keeping him going.”
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( Anayaroli ) on May 23, 2008 at 3:12 am
I’m not sure who you are writing the “God has a capital “G” thank you” response to, because I don’t see where anyone used it lowercase.
I’m not sure where you get that Foster “complied when being apprehended.” First of all, after Steele came and stomped on Bryan’s FACE, they BOTH ran. While I’m not sure what your definition of “complying with the law” is, but running from an officer not once, but TWICE, is not MY definition.
Secondly, you will note in the interview that Foster gave that he makes this statement:
“I went to step off the curve, and the police officer came towards me, so I ran a little bit, but I tripped. When I tripped, he got on my back and told me to put my hands behind my back.”
That’s not COMPLYING. He tried to run again and FELL. I don’t believe he feels one ounce of compassion for Bryan, and I’d prefer not to give him any undue credit. He watched his friend stomp a police officer almost to death, describes hearing the officer SCREAM in pain, and runs off. No human being with any kind of a soul or compassion would be capable of that.
Posted by ( Brenda ) on May 22, 2008 at 10:36 am
Dear Anayaroli,
Although I do not know Officer Lawrence personally, after reading he forgives the person who attacked him (per his pastor)… I assure you he does NOT share your resentful hostility towards the individual.
Apparently this officer is well liked indeed because the man he had in custody even spoke out AGAINST the actions of his friend. That man is not being charged re: the officer’s injury.
That individual (one that attacked the lady at the store) mentioned he recognized the officer/knew who he was and complied with him once apprehended. Said he “felt terrible for the officer and his family and wished his friend had not done such a thing”. Even some not-so-law-abiding individuals respect Mr. Lawrence which says alot.
Posted by ( Brenda ) on May 22, 2008 at 10:28 am
FYI...God has a capital “G” thank you.
Posted by ( CODE8I ) on May 20, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I agree that this person deserves to spend life in prison, without the possibility of parole. If you don’t like police officers, the next time you are in trouble call a drug addict! I have had the privilage of meeting Ofc. Lawrence. He’s one of the nicest people you could ever meet. There aren’t many people left in the world that would give you the shirt off of their backs. Ofc. Lawrence is one of those people. God bless he and his family during this difficult time.
Posted by ( Anayaroli ) on May 15, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I hope that piece of trash that did this to Officer Lawrence rots in hell after serving a life sentence. Officer Lawrence was the kindest man you will ever meet, and did not at all deserve what happened to him.