WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester Police Department announced the arrest of 24-year-old Kayla Jacobs Merritt of West Chester on Friday, after a physical altercation and vehicular assault.
The criminal complaint alleges that on April 21, 2023, at approximately 7:00 PM the West Chester Police Department received multiple calls about a disturbance in the Bradford Plaza parking lot. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim who stated they were in a verbal altercation with Kayla Jacobs Merritt, a 24-year-old female out of West Chester, Pennsylvania. The altercation quickly escalated to physical violence when Merritt, without permission, got into the victim’s vehicle and threatened to stab them. After making this threat, Merritt proceeded to run over the victim in their car and also struck a bystander in the process.
West Chester Police then took Merritt into custody shortly after arriving on the scene. The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of being hit by Merritt’s car. The bystander was treated for minor injuries as well. Both victims are expected to make full recoveries.
Merritt is currently being held at Chester County Prison pending arraignment on charges related to Robbery of a Motor Vehicle, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, and related offenses.
Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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