SC officer shot, suspect commits suicide www.privateofficer.com

CHERAW, SC Feb 23 2010(WIS) – A Cheraw police officer is in stable condition after being shot during a routine traffic stop. The suspect, however, killed himself after being cornered by police.

Authorities say Maurice Merritt, a six-year veteran officer, was shot around 5:15pm after a chase with 27-year-old Travis Keyon Quick.

Authorities say Merritt was attempting to stop Quick when a chase ensued. Merritt was able to get Quick to stop, but was shot while exiting his patrol car, police say.

Cheraw Police Chief Jay Brooks said one of the .38-caliber bullets fired by Quick was stopped by a bullet-proof vest, but another went in from behind, through Merritt’s shoulder blade and lodged between his neck and collarbone.

Back-up patrols chased Quick until he was cornered at a warehouse near Godfrey Street. Investigators say as far as they can tell, Quick fired five shots from the .38 revolver, then turned the final bullet on himself.

Officials say Quick had an extensive criminal record, including a five-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter and numerous drugs, weapons and assault charges.

Authorities say the vehicle Quick was driving was reported stolen out of North Carolina.

Brooks says it’s the second time Merritt has been shot while on duty in his six-year law enforcement career. The other shooting occurred in Greensboro, NC.