A female in her mid-30s was shot and injured in a shooting Sunday, Sept. 1, at approximately 7:25 a.m. in the 16900 block of 148th Avenue Southeast south of Yelm. Upon arrival, Thurston County Sheriff deputies immediately began life-saving measures on the victim, who was a resident of the property, and she was transported to Harborview Medical Center for further care, according to a Thurston County Sheriff’s Office news release. The woman’s condition was not immediately reported, but TCSO said Tuesday, Sept. 3, that she was struck in the head.
Deputies were dispatched to the area after multiple 911 callers reported hearing yelling and what sounded like gunshots. As detectives searched the scene, locating and interviewing several witnesses, an additional gunshot was heard, prompting the deployment of SWAT to help search the property.
SWAT personnel searched the property to ensure no one else was present. According to the release, it is believed that the gunshot originated from the area and may have been intended as a distraction while the suspect fled.
TCSO is attempting to locate Cody Merritt, as it is believed he fled the area wearing a white shirt. According to TCSO, it is alleged that he fired a rifle at the resident, and there is probable cause to arrest him for several felony charges. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives urge witnesses or people with information to contact them at detectives@co.thurston.wa.us.
