SPRINGVILLE — A Bloomington woman was arrested Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, after reportedly fighting with law enforcement officers and biting one officer twice during an incident outside a Springville business, according to court records.
Melissa A. Laney, 53, faces preliminary charges of battery on a police officer, resisting law enforcement, and possession of marijuana following the encounter at the Springville MiniMart, located at 60 Brick St.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Deputy C. Pruett with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, deputies and emergency medical services were dispatched to the mini-mart after a store employee reported that two occupants inside a white GMC pickup truck appeared slumped over and unable to sit upright.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted the male driver and the front-seat passenger, identified as Laney, who had a small dog in her lap. Both subjects were conscious, alert, and eating food, and the vehicle’s keys were not in the ignition.
While speaking with the occupants, deputies observed in plain view a clear plastic zipper bag containing a green leafy substance—subsequently identified and field-tested positive as marijuana weighing eight grams—alongside a cylinder grinding tool on the dashboard.
Deputy Pruett instructed both occupants to exit the vehicle. The male complied and was detained without incident.
However, when Officer B. Fulkerson of the Springville-Lawrence County Independent School Corporation attempted to assist in getting Laney out of the truck, she began actively resisting. Deputy Pruett and Officer Fulkerson pulled Laney from the vehicle to the ground, where she continued to kick, flail, and attempt to strike officers with her fists.
During the struggle to handcuff her, authorities stated that Laney bit Officer Fulkerson twice—once on the left tricep and once on the right wrist—breaking the skin. With the assistance of Officer S. Hickman of the Oolitic Town Marshal’s Office, officers finally subdued and handcuffed Laney before placing her into a patrol vehicle. Officer Fulkerson sustained bite injuries during the altercation.
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a loaded black Glock 43 pistol located in the driver’s side door, along with four glass smoking devices and paraphernalia.
The male driver was interviewed and stated he was unaware of the marijuana or the firearm, noting the truck belonged to Laney’s family. He was subsequently released from the scene, as his driver’s license was suspended.
Laney was transported and booked into the Lawrence County Jail.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
