A previously convicted felon who led authorities on a high-speed chase across three counties last year was sentenced to six years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to multiple charges in Garland County Circuit Court.
Terry Ray Merriott, 44, of Hot Springs, pleaded guilty to felony counts of fleeing, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by certain persons and possessing or using prohibited articles in jail, and he was sentenced to six years in prison on each count, to run concurrently, fined a total of $750 and ordered to pay $340 in court costs.
His passenger, Shaneah Marie Self, 27, of Mountain Pine, who was arrested at the same time, was charged with possession of a firearm by certain persons and has a disposition hearing set for April 2 in circuit court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Nov. 28, 2017, shortly before 2 a.m., Garland County sheriff's Cpl. Jon Lane observed a gray Pontiac Grand-Prix cross the centerline on the King Expressway and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver didn't stop and reportedly sped up, running a stoplight at the intersection of Temperance Hill and Higdon Ferry roads.
The vehicle's occupants, later identified as Merriott and Self, reportedly switched seats while the vehicle was in motion shortly after running the stoplight. The vehicle headed south on Central Avenue, continuously increasing speed.
Self allegedly threw a .45-caliber handgun with a fully loaded magazine and several other items out of a window during the pursuit. As the vehicle continued down Central, Merriott attempted to ram two sheriff's units and run them off the road while traveling over 85 mph.
The pursuit continued through Garland, Hot Spring and Clark counties, finally ending in Arkadelphia after Arkadelphia police deployed spike strips, flattening the two front tires on the suspect vehicle.
The vehicle traveled about half a mile with two flat tires before Self and Marriott exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a short pursuit, both were reportedly apprehended without incident.
During a search of the vehicle prior to being towed, officers allegedly located items believed to be stolen along with a set of bolt cutters, flashlights and a pair of black gloves.
While en route to the detention center, Self allegedly made several spontaneous statements after hearing the radio traffic that a gun was located. She reportedly stated the gun belonged to her and that she swallowed over 3 grams of meth and several pills to prevent her boyfriend, Merriott, from getting in trouble.
According to the affidavit on the possessing prohibited articles, on Dec. 2, 2017, deputies at the detention center received a tip that an inmate, identified as Merriott, had meth in his possession. Sgt. Brett Lane moved Merriott to another area while deputies searched his cell and belongings.
A small bag of what later tested positive for meth, approximately 2.4 grams, was located.
Local on 03/27/2018