Suspect in Harrison County law-officer shooting in custody
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: January 27, 2011
The suspect in the shooting of the Harrison County Deputy during an investigation in a civil matter is being held without bond in the Harrison County jail, according to a news release from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
Merrill H. Wickware, 80, was taken into custody late Wednesday afternoon and transported to the Harrison County Jail, where he was booked on a charge of attempted capital murder of a peace officer.
Harrison County Deputy Sheriff, Sgt. Duana (D.J.) Couch, 43, was shot while investigating a civil process situation at approximately 3:45 PM, Wednesday afternoon. Both Sgt. Couch and her husband are deputies with the Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Couch, who has been with the Sheriff’s Department for 10 years, had was conducting an investigation regarding a seizure order for an RV.
The sole occupant of the mobile home on the property began firing on Sgt. Couch with a 22 caliber pistol. The deputy returned fire and sought cover.
As the shots were fired from the mobile home, Sgt. Couch was shot in the left side of her head. As she sought protective cover, Sgt. Couch managed to use her cell phone to call for assistance. In response, Harrison County Sheriff Office Dispatchers put out a call for all agencies assistance to the location where Sgt. Couch was located.
The suspect was the sole occupant of the trailer and retreated into the mobile home. He surrendered upon commands from the officers at the scene.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Couch was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital in Marshall for treatment of the gunshot wound to the head. She was released from the hospital today.
