Investigation underway in Merkel Police Officer involved shooting

April 07, 2022

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.