12-17-2009 at approximately 0150 hours the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reference a “Drive by Shooting” at 120 Main Street in Milbridge. Sgt. Randy Perry responded to the incident.
Upon investigation Sgt. Perry found that suspect(s) had fired more than one round into the residence of Mr. Oscar Cruiz. The shots appear to be fired from the roadway in front of the residence. During the incident Mr. Cruiz was struck by one of the small caliber rounds as it passed through an exterior wall and into a bedroom. Mr. Cruiz was not significantly hurt due to the round loosing a significant amount of velocity. No medical treatment was needed.
After further investigation a link to a motor vehicle accident the previous day was identified. From the accident a suspect was identified. Mr. Cruiz had been involved in a simple motor vehicle accident with Ms. Jade Giger and Mr. Sherman Merchant, both of the Milbridge area.
Mr. Sherman Merchant was later arrested in Milbridge on an outstanding warrants from Hancock County District Court.
Through further joint investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Maine State Police, and the Milbridge Police Department three (3) suspects related to the shooting incident were then identified, 2 adult males and 1 juvenile.
Late in the evening on 12-17 Mr. Sherman L. Merchant (10-19-1984) and Mr. Benjamin T. Ray (12-10-1981) were both arrested on Aggravated Reckless Conduct with a Firearm and booked into the Washington County Jail. Bail was set on both subjects at $25,000 cash, substance conditions, and no contact with the victim and several witnesses. Both subjects remain in custody at this time pending initial court appearances on Monday. The name of the juvenile is not being released.
The incident is also being referred to the Maine Attorney General's Office for review by their office for possible racial/hate crime involvement.
Also as a result of this investigation 2 subjects were detained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and turned over to the Maine Drug Enforcement Task Force. Mr. Victor Stanwood (12-1-1961) and Mrs. Donna Stanwood (8-26-1961) were both arrested by Special Agent Richard Rolfe of the Task Force for Illegal Possession of Schedule Drugs. Mrs. Standwood was allowed to post bail, but Mr. Stanwood remains in custody on a further violation of conditions of release pending initial court appearance on Monday.
For further information on this matter contact Lt. Travis Willey of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington County Sheriff's Office
