August 14, 2006

Yuma Marine charged with kidnapping child

By John Hoellwarth
Staff writer


Prosecutors in Yuma, Ariz., charged a 20-year-old Marine with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and aggravated assault on Aug. 10, according to Roger Nelson, the chief criminal deputy in the Yuma County Attorney’s office.

Pfc. Ryan Merchberger, a metal worker assigned to the maintenance section of Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, is being held in police custody on $106,000 bond after allegedly attempting to kidnap a 6-year-old girl from outside her home in a local apartment complex, according to Officer Clinton Norred, a police spokesman.


Norred said neighbors heard the child screaming as she was carried off.

“After a short run, the suspect dropped the victim and continued running,” according to a police department release.

Norred said information from witnesses led police to an apartment in the complex where they found Merchberger at the home of a friend.

“The victim and witnesses positively identified [Merchberger] as the man that had attempted to kidnap the victim,” the release said.

“He didn’t live in the apartment complex, and it doesn’t appear that he knew the girl,” Norred said.

The girl was treated for a “bump on the head” and is back with her family, he added.

Ellie