Local law enforcement officers came under gunfire early Tuesday morning as they were attempting to serve a search warrant at a Colegrove Drive, Swainsboro residence. Swainsboro Police Chief Randy Ellison said a search warrant for suspicion of illegal drug possession and distribution had been issued for the residence at 552 Colegrove Drive. Authorities were in the process of serving the warrant when multiple rounds were fired from inside the house. Investigator Dakota Lamb with the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office was struck in the arm by one round and was taken to Emanuel Medical Center. Investigator Lamb has since been transferred to Augusta for further medical treatment. Me’Elle LayQuon Merrion was taken into custody at the scene in connection with the shooting without further incident. Chief Ellison requested officials from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conduct the on-scene investigation to avoid any conflict of interest since the case involves personnel from two law enforcement agencies. Multiple agencies responded to the incident. Sheriff Brewer commented that Investigator Lamb is expected to make a full recovery.
