Two Bradenton Police Department officers injured when a suspect rammed them with his vehicle outside a Wawa convenience store early Sunday morning have been released from the hospital and are recovering at home. The suspect now faces additional felony charges stemming from the incident and subsequent high-speed pursuit.
Lt. Perry Merrill and Officer John Bembry were struck shortly after 3:22 a.m. November 8 at the Wawa near First Street and Sixth Avenue East. Officers had responded to reports of an armed man causing a disturbance and harassing customers outside the business.
According to police, Merrill and Bembry approached 35-year-old Dejerrian Murray as he entered his vehicle. With the driver’s door still open, Murray allegedly accelerated in reverse, striking both officers and throwing them onto the pavement.
Merrill suffered a traumatic brain injury and a brain bleed, requiring treatment in intensive care. He was released from the hospital on Monday, November 9. Bembry sustained injuries to his leg and knee and was released Sunday. Both officers are continuing their recoveries at home.
Two additional officers fired shots toward Murray’s vehicle as he fled the parking lot. Murray then led authorities on a high-speed pursuit north toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge before turning south and returning to Bradenton.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol joined the pursuit, which ended near First Street and 10th Avenue West after an FHP trooper performed a pursuit intervention maneuver, causing Murray’s vehicle to crash.
Murray was treated at a hospital for minor injuries before being transported to the Manatee County jail.
Initially, Murray faced charges including two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, two hit-and-run offenses involving injuries, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, violation of probation and resisting arrest without violence.
On Monday, November 9, authorities added two firearm-related charges: possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm.
Court records indicate Murray has an extensive criminal history in Manatee County, including a 2022 conviction for fleeing and eluding law enforcement and misdemeanor reckless driving. Authorities also reported that he had been cited approximately three weeks before the incident for driving more than 100 mph, violating the terms of his probation.
During his initial court appearance Monday afternoon, a judge ordered Murray held without bond.
Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer expressed relief that both officers survived the incident and indicated confidence in their ability to eventually return to full duty.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an independent investigation into the shots fired by responding officers. The criminal investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
