Woman Who Tried to Run Over Aiken Cop is Captured

Aiken authorities have captured a woman who was wanted for trying to run over an Aiken Public Safety Officer last month during a traffic stop.

Merita Carter, 40, of Williston, was arrested late Monday, according to Lt. David Turno with the Aiken Department of Public Safety. (The mugshot at top was taken shortly after her arrest.)

Acting on a CrimeStoppers tip, officers from Aiken Public Safety, North Augusta Public Safety and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office were able to apprehend the woman, Lt. Turno said. She's been charged with assault with intent to kill, reckless driving and speeding.

According to a warrant, Officer Kenneth Leonard stopped Ms. Carter for speeding on Oct. 17 on East Pine Log Road. During the stop, the suspect allegedly drove away in her 2005 Nissan Sentra before the stop was over. She then turned the car around and traveled directly into the path of the officer. He was able to get out of the way, but authorities were not able to find Ms. Carter after she sped away.

Ms. Carter is being held in the Aiken County Detention Center. She's been there before. She was arrested by New Ellenton police in 2007 for criminal domestic violence. That's her 2007 mugshot at the bottom.