Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On July 16th, 2010, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported robbery in a vehicle at the Route 50 and Glen Riddle, Berlin, Maryland. Upon arrival, Deputies met with the victim who indicated that while riding in a vehicle, two occupants of the vehicle demanded his money, cell phone and keys. Deputies were able to determine the suspect’s identity as, Robert William Merryman, age 22 Of Berlin, Maryland

Shortly after the robbery Deputies located and arrested Mr. Merryman for the robbery. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111.

Mr. Merryman was charged with 1st Degree Robbery/ 1st and 2nd Degree Assault and held at the Worcester County Jail on bond.

On July 12, 2010 at 0326 hours, Worcester County Dispatch received a call in reference to a person being held against their will, in the area of west bound Ocean Gateway (Route 50) near Holly Grove Road, Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland. Deputies responded to the area to attempt to locate the vehicle.

While en-route Dispatch gave update information the caller was behind a vehicle where the caller’s daughter had been kidnapped and was being held at gun point in the car.

A Berlin Police Department unit then observed the vehicle at Rt 452, Berlin, Maryland and with the assistance of the Deputies, initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. A male driver, Identified as Walter Shane Ahrens age 22, was removed from the vehicle. During the investigation, Deputies located suspected controlled dangerous substance in the vehicle as well as paraphernalia. Deputies placed Ahrens under arrest for possession of a controlled dangerous substance. It was later determined that the female has not been held against her will or kidnapped. Mr. Ahrens was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and released pending trial.