Woman accused of theft, assaulting officers released with no bail skips court appearance; warrant issued
Woman accused of assaulting deputies released without bail
A Pierce County judge released a woman accused of running from police, assaulting officers and stealing a car right in front of them. The woman was released with no bail.
TACOMA, Wash - A Pierce County judge released a woman accused of running from police, assaulting officers and stealing a car right in front of them. The woman was released with no bail, but skipped her court appearance, so a warrant has been issued for her arrest.
On Monday, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department arrested 27-year-old Yessica Meraz Carmona for allegedly assaulting two deputies, as well as charges related to stealing cars.
In total, she faces five felonies.
Video that FOX 13 News obtained shows deputies attempting to arrest the suspect. In the video, it appears the suspect puts the car into reverse and takes off. Sheriff’s officials say Meraz Carmona hit the deputies in her attempt to escape.
When law enforcement finally arrested Meraz Carmona, they said they found a gun in the car.
Pierce County prosecuting attorneys requested the suspect be held on a $75,000 bond, however, a judge disagreed.
Instead, Pierce County Court Commissioner Barbara McInvaille released Meraz Carmona with no bail.
VIDEO: Woman leads Pierce Co. deputies on chase in stolen car, tries to evade arrest by stealing second car
An undercover deputy in Tacoma found a stolen Kia in a grocery store parking lot, leading to a dramatic pursuit that resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old woman on multiple charges, including assault and vehicle theft.
Officials with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department say they have concerns.
"The biggest issue is what message are you sending to the offenders, because if they are doing this to us, and they know they're not even being held on this, is it really a big deal to assault a cop," said Sgt. Darren Moss with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
Part of the requirements for Meraz Carmona’s release was that she report to pretrial services within 24 hours of her hearing to arrange for monthly appointments.
Officials say she did not.
In a Facebook post, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department wrote:
"The defendant failed to report to Pre-Trial Services within 24 hours of her release from jail, which is a violation of her conditions of release. A bench warrant has been issued for her arrest.
For persons released pending trial in the Pierce County Superior Court, Pretrial Services provides monitoring through scheduled office and telephonic appointments, court and appointment calls, text messages, and/or email reminders, transportation support for court appearances, and referrals to community agencies for voluntary services."
FOX 13 News reached out to McInvaille for comment.
A court administrator told us she cannot speak on current cases.
McInvaille is also the same judge who put a $30,000 bond on a man described as an armed career criminal, who earlier this month was accused of ramming three law enforcement vehicles.