Man Accused Of Ramming Vehicle Into Tow Truck, Leading Police In Chase

A wild crime spree on Monday across parts of Oklahoma City ended in an assault suspect crashing during a police pursuit. Police said it started when an apartment security guard tried to stop Michael Merrell, 53, from ramming his SUV into a tow truck.

Crime tape surrounded the parking lot of the Rosemont Apartments near south Youngs and Interstate 240. Police said Merrell allegedly turned his SUV into a weapon as security was having a car towed from the complex. 

“Actually, rammed one of the tow truck drivers,” said Sgt. Dillon Quirk, Oklahoma City Police Department. “Attempted to hit the security guard who was impounding the vehicle.”

Police said Merrell continued the assault as he rammed several parked cars and an apartment building.

According to the report, the security guard pepper sprayed the man, tased him and then fired several rounds into the Merrell's car.

“While officers were responding to this altercation there was an officer in the area that actually heard the shots fired,” said Quirk.  

The officer saw Merrell driving away and police said that was when the pursuit started. Merrell drove towards the downtown area and eventually crashed near west Main and Allen Road.

Police said Merrell did not give up easy. Officers had to use less-lethal force to get him into custody just before his SUV caught on fire.

Merrell was booked into jail on 11 complaints stemming from the assault and pursuit. Investigators are looking into what sparked Merrell's aggression towards the tow truck driver.

“It’s unclear why the suspect rammed the tow truck and ultimately fled,” said Quirk. 

Police said Merrell was not hit by the gun shots, but he still had a taser prob in his back when he was arrested. 

The security guard who fired at Merrell was released at the scene and the Oklahoma County District Attorney will decide if charges are warranted.