Staff Sergeant Clyde Almond "Tub" Merritt

Clyde Almond "Tub" Merritt

Staff Sergeant "Tub" Merritt was shot and killed after responding to assist other officers at an incident in which Officer James Bryant, of the Broxton Police Department, had been shot and killed.

Sergeant Merritt and a Georgia State Patrol trooper had arrived to offer assistance and were attempting to rescue Officer Bryant. As Sergeant Merritt provided cover, the trooper attempted to crawl to Officer Bryant. The suspect then shot Sergeant Merritt in the chest with a rifle, killing him. The subject was later arrested after being surrounded by officers from several agencies.

On November 15th, 2006, the subject was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.

Sergeant Merritt had served with the Coffee County Sheriff's Office for ten years. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.