Three arrested following Wicomico Co. traffic stop

SALISBURY, Md. – A traffic stop in Salisbury on Thursday led to charges for three.

Deputies stopped the vehicle in the area of Route 13 northbound and Broad Street for traffic violations, making contact with the driver, who reportedly identified themselves as “James” Merritt. After making contact with Merritt and the other occupants, 41-year-old Briana Graves and 29-year-old “Amanda Richards”, deputies requested a K-9 scan of the vehicle.

The K-9 scan and subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of CDS paraphernalia and a small amount of suspected crack cocaine. During the investigation, deputies discovered that the driver gave a false name twice to avoid being positively identified. The driver, Jasmen Merritt, was wanted on a bench warrant for failing to appear in Dorchester County District Court. Additionally, “Amanda Richards” was discovered to Gabriella Blades, who had a total of nine outstanding warrants for failing to appear in Somerset County District Court.

Graves was issued a criminal citation and released.

Merritt was charged with possession of cocaine, providing a false identity to avoid apprehension of prosecution of a crime, and obstructing and hindering a police investigation.

Blades was charged with providing a false identity to avoid apprehension or prosecution of a crime and obstructing and hindering a police investigation.