Trooper earns award for Peggs heroism

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April 3, 2009

By BOB GIBBINS

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper involved in a shooting and potential hostage situation near Peggs last December was honored Thursday.

OHP Lt. George “Buddy” Lambert, assigned to the OHP’s Vinita headquarters, was honored in the heroism category as “Trooper of the Year.” Lambert responded to the call Dec. 7 six miles south of Locust Grove.

The suspect, later identified as Robert Lee Thompson, was believed to be in a wooded area on a four-wheeler. As a perimeter was being established, Lambert received a report of a sighting near a smoke shop.

After Lambert arrived, it was learned that Thompson, 37, left a few minutes before his arrival. Lambert traveled north on State Highway 82, as did Thompson. Thompson was wearing camouflage clothing and armed with two rifles equipped with scopes. He was standing in waist-high grass.

Thompson opened fire as Lambert approached. The gunfire hit Lambert’s patrol vehicle. Lambert began evasive action by driving in a serpantine pattern, OHP officials said. Lambert and other officers were concerned with keeping civilians out of harm’s way.

A Cherokee Nation marshal stopped on S.H. 82 and exchanged shots with Thompson, which diverted Thompson’s attention enough for Lambert to retrieve a firearm. Lambert and the marshal then worked together to incapacitate Thompson and stop further threats.

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