SOLOMONS, Md. — A Solomons woman faces multiple charges, including DUI and resisting arrest, after allegedly rear-ending a vehicle and later attempting to slip out of her handcuffs while being transported to jail.
According to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported vehicle collision on Feb. 21, 2025, at approximately 8:59 p.m. at the intersection of HG Trueman Road and Dowell Road. Upon arrival, officers found a black Toyota Prius, driven by Michelle Renee Merrill, 56, which had reportedly struck a black Toyota RAV4 occupied by four individuals.
Authorities say that when they made contact with Merrill, she appeared intoxicated, exhibiting bloodshot, watery eyes and emitting a strong odor of alcohol. When asked how the accident occurred, she allegedly stated that she did not know and then attempted to hand officers her credit card instead of her driver’s license.
Deputies conducted a standardized field sobriety test, which Merrill allegedly failed. During the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, officers reported observing six out of six possible impairment clues. She then allegedly struggled to complete the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests, nearly falling down a hill at one point. Following the tests, Merrill was placed under arrest for DUI.
As deputies escorted Merrill to a patrol vehicle, she allegedly attempted to pull away and later, once inside, tried to kick at officers.
During transport to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Merrill reportedly slipped one wrist free from her handcuffs. When the deputy pulled over to secure her, she allegedly refused to exit the vehicle, pulled away, and screamed before spitting in the deputy’s face. The officer ultimately regained control and re-secured the handcuffs before continuing transport.
Merrill was taken to the Calvert County Emergency Health Center for medical clearance and later transferred to the Calvert County Detention Center.
She is now facing multiple charges, including resisting/interfering with arrest, a misdemeanor that carries a potential penalty of up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. Additional charges include driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, negligent driving, reckless driving, failure to stop at a stop sign, and failure to properly display traffic control device instructions. Fines for the traffic offenses range from $90 to $510.
Merrill was released on her own recognizance following her initial appearance in Calvert County District Court. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 24, 2025, at Calvert County District Court in Prince Frederick.
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Hope the court considers her action while under arrest. For her violent confrontation with LEO’s she should wait in pretrial DOC’.
Alcohol releases the real person normally hidden by sobriety. She needs a lot of work!