Chase ends with arrest of pharmacy hold-up suspect

9:05 AM

By BEN MCCANNA Morning Sentinel

FAIRFIELD -- A suspect wanted in connection with three pharmacy robberies was caught Friday after an intensive manhunt and a high-speed motorcycle chase ended in a crash.

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Shawn Michael Merrill

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Police officers stand in the parking lot next to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments building in Fairfield after the Rite Aid on Main Street was robbed Friday.

Staff photo by Ben McCanna

Shawn Michael Merrill, 26, a transient, was arrested in Chelsea by Maine State Police about 3:20 p.m., just three hours after he allegedly robbed Rite Aid on Main Street. Merrill is also suspected of two back-to-back robberies on Tuesday -- the Walmart pharmacy in Waterville and Goggins IGA in Randolph.

The manhunt began at 1 p.m. Friday, shortly after Merrill allegedly approached a pharmacy clerk with a note demanding drugs. He also lifted his shirt and displayed a handgun tucked into his waistband, Fairfield Police Chief John Emery said.

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Chase ends with arrest of pharmacy hold-up suspect