Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott details how a teenage suspect struck Deputy Sara Merriman with a car, sending her to the hospital with serious injuries, an incident he says shows the dangers of what his deputies face.
The sheriff says deputies had tracked a stolen car to a parking lot in the 6800 block of Two Notch Road around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Lott said Merriman and another deputy pulled up in their vehicles and parked behind the suspect, and attempted to call out the 17-year-old. However, at that point, they say the teen drove the car in reverse, striking Merriman before she could get out of the way. The vehicle kept driving.
Deputy Merriman is currently recovering in the hospital.
I was so angry after seeing that and then know that he had bond set.
I’m sorry to hear this has happened to an officer. Our officers, both human & K9, have a very dangerous job that they CHOOSE to do. These brave men & women should be respected & coveted as they go out everyday into the unknown in order for us to have a safe community.
Praying that this officer recovers.
I just cannot believe how cruel some people can be, and to be so young. What will he be like when he is older. I hope he is in jail for a long long time. Pray that Deputy Merriman is recovering ok.
A teen! Awful. His parents are so proud.
As viewers, we become invested with these officers. It is heartening to know that when something like this assult on Officer Merriman occurs, we are able to hear the briefing and stay informed. As a retired dispatcher with other family members in law enforcement, I too, am angry that perpetrators too often can be out on bond so quickly. All we cna do is hope that the justice system works as intended. Our prayers go to Officer Merriman and her family.
Whenever a suspect is still in a running vehicle always protect yourself by leaving your door open so that you can throw yourself into it in case of this exact circumstance. I am glad to know that she will survive and I do hope that the suspect will not be given a hand slap as so many are given these days. God bless our officers. #BlueLivesMatter