Just after 6:00 am on Monday, March 1st, Galesburg Police responded to Herr Petroleum on US 164 for a report of a stolen tanker truck. While in route to the business, GPD were alerted that Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies had located the truck and the suspect at Country Elms Estates along US 150 near Knoxville. Upon arrival, officers observed sheriff’s deputies giving verbal commands to the driver who was not complying. Deputies broke out the driver-side window, gained entry, and removed the driver from the tanker truck who continued resisting. The driver was 46-year old Merita Smith of Galesburg. Smith claimed she owned the truck as well as Country Elms Estates, and that she had a pardon from the president. She was charged with Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Criminal Damage over $500, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Resisting Arrest. Back on January 21st, Smith was arrested for DUI Drugs, Obstructing a Peace Officer, and more after telling officers she was a “secret agent.” She was arrested again on January 25th for DUI Drugs, Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer, and more after driving down a restricted area of the Public Safety Building telling officers she was “a bounty hunter.”
