LONDON, KY (May 11, 2020) - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Allen Turner arrested Rodney Merida age 18 of Shawboro, North Carolina on Sunday afternoon May 10, 2020 at approximately 4:15 PM.
The arrest occurred off Jaw Road, approximately 8 miles north of London following a pursuit of a black colored Ford Econoline following an attempted traffic stop after which the driver sped up reaching speeds over 80 MPH swerving all over the road placing other motorists at risk.
The vehicle lost control crashing into a tree and over turning and the male driver attempted to flee on foot. Following a short foot chase and a scuffle with deputies the suspect was taken into custody and had to be escorted to the police car. This subject screamed and cursed and created a disturbance while being escorted to the police car.
Once placed inside the cruiser, this subject frantically jumped up and down and banged his head on the windows in the police car continually trying to kick the window out. This individual was determined to be under the influence.
Rodney Merida was charged with:
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence – first offense
- Fleeing or evading police – first-degree – motor vehicle
- Speeding more than 26 mph over the limit
- Fleeing or evading police – first-degree – on foot
- Failure to wear seatbelts
- Resisting arrest
- Disorderly conduct – second-degree
- Reckless driving
This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Inset photo of accused attached is courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Assisting for the Laurel Sheriff's Office was: Deputy Jamie Etherton,Deputy Brent France, K-9 Deputy Gary Mehler, Deputy Hunter Disney, and Deputy Daniel Reed.
Also assisting was:
- Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County
- London Laurel Rescue Squad
- East Bernstadt Fire and Rescue
Photo of crash site attached.
