MERKEL, Texas — A Merkel Police Department officer is on temporary administrative leave after firing a shot into a vehicle that was being pursued by law enforcement agencies.
According to a press release from MPD, at approximately 7:46 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, Merkel Police helped Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Tye Police Department in a vehicle pursuit that entered Merkel on Interstate 20, westbound.
At one point, the vehicle stopped and officers approached and tried to detain the occupants, at which time the Merkel officer fired one shot into the vehicle.
The vehicle then continued to drive away, eventually coming to a stop at FM 1235 and South Access Road in Merkel.
No injuries were reported for the occupants and only minor injuries were reported for the involved officers.
This is an on-going and active investigation, the release said.
"Anytime there is an incident of this nature the Merkel Police Department will conduct an internal investigation into the involved officer. Pursuant to departmental policy and standard operating procedures, that officer has been placed on temporary administrative leave. The officer’s identity will not be released at this time pending the outcome of the investigation," Merkel Police Chief Phillip Conklin said in the release.
The case has been turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Here is the full statement from DPS:
"Yesterday, at around 7:45 p.m., a Texas State Trooper attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on southbound FM 3438. The driver evaded detention, sped off, and entered IH-20 traveling West. The driver drove through the median multiple times and eventually stopped. Taylor County Deputies on scene attempted to get the driver out of the vehicle but were unsuccessful. The passenger then jumped out of the vehicle and was taken into custody. The driver drove away again, and as it did, a Merkel PD officer discharged their weapon with a single shot at the vehicle. The pursuit continued before spikes were successfully deployed by another State Trooper. The driver came to a stop at IH 20 and FM 1235, in Merkel, and attempted to run on foot but, was quickly apprehended. Both subjects were taken to Hendrick Medical Center to be medically evaluated. The driver was identified as 24 year old Drucilla Fields of Abilene. Fields was taken to the Taylor County Jail and charged with evading arrest detention with vehicle."
