Both Bradenton officers released from hospital after suspect rams them outside Wawa

The early morning chaos outside a Bradenton Wawa convenience store began with a man harassing customers and brandishing a gun, culminating in two Bradenton police officers being intentionally rammed by a suspect’s vehicle and a high-speed chase stretching toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Officers John Bembry and Lt. Perry Merrill were injured in the incident Sunday morning, with Merrill suffering a traumatic brain injury and brain bleed that required intensive care before his release from the hospital Monday evening. Dejerrian Murray, 35, faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, stemming from the confrontation and subsequent pursuit.

What Happened

The incident unfolded shortly after 3:20 a.m. Sunday at the Wawa near First Street and Sixth Avenue East. Employees called authorities after a man began waving a gun and harassing customers outside the business. Officers Merrill and Bembry arrived on scene to investigate, attempting to speak with Murray and de-escalate the situation. According to body camera footage, Murray then entered his vehicle, revved the engine, and abruptly reversed at a high rate of speed, striking both officers and throwing them to the pavement. Two backup officers fired five shots at the retreating car. Bradenton Police Department public information officer Meredith Censullo stated that Murray intentionally backed into the officers, knocking them to the ground.

The chase led to a multi-agency pursuit involving the Bradenton Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff's Office, and Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers ultimately had to crash into Murray’s vehicle to end the chase near First Street and 10th Avenue West. Murray sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently booked into the Manatee County jail. During his initial court appearance Monday morning, he was denied bond. Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court is maintaining records related to Murray’s case.

Lt. Merrill was initially placed in intensive care with a traumatic brain injury and brain bleed, while Officer Bembry sustained injuries to his leg and knee, requiring hospitalization before both officers were released to recover at home. Bradenton Police Department Chief Josh Cramer emphasized the officers’ good fortune in surviving the incident, describing Murray’s actions as demonstrating “total willful disregard for human life.”

Community Reaction

The incident has drawn significant attention from the community, with many expressing concern for the safety of local law enforcement. Chief Cramer expressed frustration with the circumstances leading up to the incident, noting that Murray “shouldn't have been out and about.” He explained that Murray was on probation for previous charges and should have remained incarcerated. He contacted Murray’s probation officer to ensure he remains held without bond, stating, “We can’t have this.” Cramer also praised the officers' resilience: "I have no doubt that either one will be able to come back and work in full capacity," he said.

“Very lucky, very fortunate to be alive,” Cramer said. “The bad guy had bad intent from the moment he was at the store doing what he was doing to when they tried to apprehend him in the car to stop him from leaving, so they could talk to him and interview him and presumably arrest him. To the moment he decided to act with total willful disregard for human life, being first our officers and then anybody that was on the roads when we were pursuing him.”

Florida Highway Patrol Involvement

The Florida Highway Patrol played a critical role in the pursuit, ultimately ending it with a pit maneuver near First Street and 10th Avenue West. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an independent investigation into the incident, including the actions of the officers who fired at Murray’s vehicle. This inquiry aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the response to this serious event.

Legal Proceedings

Dejerrian Murray faces a lengthy list of charges, including two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, hit-and-run with serious bodily injury and reckless driving. He is also charged with resisting arrest without violence, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, improper exhibition of dangerous weapons or firearms and violation of probation. Murray is scheduled to return to court Friday, Nov. 13, for a hearing to determine if probation is suitable before trial. Records show a state trooper cited Murray just three weeks earlier for driving faster than 100 mph, violating his probation terms.

Independent State Inquiry

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading an independent investigation into the incident, specifically examining the circumstances surrounding the shots fired by responding officers. This investigation will review all available evidence, including body camera footage and witness statements, to determine whether departmental policies were followed. Florida Department of Law Enforcement aims to provide a transparent and impartial assessment of the incident's events.

Marcus's Take

The events in Bradenton are a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day, and how quickly a tense situation can escalate to violence. It’s deeply concerning that Murray was out on probation given his history, raising questions about the effectiveness of our justice system’s oversight. While we celebrate the recovery of Officers Bembry and Merrill – a testament to their resilience and the skill of our medical professionals – it's crucial that we examine what led to this incident. The fact that Murray should have been incarcerated, yet was free to commit these acts, underscores a failure in our system’s ability to protect both officers and the community. Families thrive when law enforcement is respected, supported, and equipped to maintain order; when criminals are held accountable for their actions. It's imperative that we consider the long-term societal costs of failing to prioritize public safety and responsible rehabilitation.

What's Next

Dejerrian Murray will appear in court Friday, Nov. 13, where a judge will determine whether he remains held without bond pending trial. The FDLE investigation into the officer-involved shooting is ongoing and its findings will be released publicly once finalized. Residents who want to offer support to the Bradenton Police Department can find resources and ways to connect through the Bradenton Police Department.

The Bradenton Police Department is urging anyone with information about the case to contact them directly. Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains records related to Murray’s case and may provide additional details as they become available through the legal proceedings.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the vital role they play in maintaining order and protecting our community. The prayers of many are with Officers Bembry and Merrill as they continue their recovery, and with the Bradenton Police Department as they navigate this difficult situation.