Suspect in Yelm area shooting case in custody Wednesday after multi-day search
A man who’s accused of shooting a woman near Yelm on Sunday has turned himself in to law enforcement, according to a Wednesday afternoon Facebook post by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
Cody A. Merritt is now in police custody a day after the Sheriff’s Office asked the public for help locating him.
Deputies allege Merritt shot a woman at her home on the 16900 block of 148th Avenue Southeast, which is south of Yelm and near Lake Lawrence. The woman, in her mid 30s, was treated by fire crews before being transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to a Monday news release.
Detectives and a SWAT team reportedly searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
The Sheriff’s Office believes Merritt used a rifle to shoot the woman, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about the case can email detectives@co.thurston.wa.us.
In a Tuesday Facebook post, Sheriff Derek Sanders responded to complaints that his office did not put out enough information about the shooting. He defended his office, saying they put out verified information as soon as possible and every available detective has been working this case.
“It would be less than helpful, and in fact harmful, for TCSO to put out unverified information that we later end up having to alter or retract entirely (not to mention the liability if it results in damages to the wrong person),” Sanders said.
Sanders said asking the public for help locating a vaguely described “bald white male” would have resulted in dozens of 911 calls and “half of the greater Yelm area holding the other half at gunpoint.”
“We need time to gather details and work the case, so if you don’t hear from us, it’s because we’re trying to get details solidified,” Sanders said.
This story was originally published September 4, 2024 at 9:37 AM.
