Kitsap County Sheriff’s detectives have made an arrest in conjunction with the remains of a deceased male that was found alongside a Central Kitsap roadway Sunday, Dec. 21.

The body of Nathen L. Merritt, 34, of Tacoma, was discovered partially

wrapped in a blue-colored tarp near the intersection of NW Erlands Point

Road and Kitty Hawk Drive NW, in the Chico area of Central Kitsap.

Merritt had been previously reported missing to the Tacoma Police Department.

Sheriff’s detectives arrested a 45-year-old King County woman at her residence Tuesday. A search warrant was served at the residence and a vehicle believed used in the disposal of Merritt’s body was impounded.

Detectives believe Merritt’s body was left alongside the road sometime last Saturday evening. The discovery of the tarp and body were reported to 911 just after noon Sunday.

The woman was transported to Kitsap County and booked into jail for

failure to notify coroner (of a deceased person) and unlawful disposal of remains.

Both charges are misdemeanor offenses. Bail was set at $30,000. The investigation remains open.