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Man arrested on Bear Paws kidnapping charge

John Michael Merrill was arrested and charged as a suspect of the kidnapping incident last week where two people were beaten and abandoned near Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

Another suspect is at large. He has been identified as Matthew Joseph Saddler.

KRTV reported that May 6, the two people kidnapped were hitch-hiking on U.S. Highway 87 north of Roundup, where they were picked up by Saddler. Saddler offered a place for the hitch-hikers to stay at a home in Rocky Boy and when they arrived, Merrill followed and was introduced as Saddler’s brother.

The two allegedly forced the two hitchhikers into the trunk of a car and drove down Sandy Creek Road off the reservation. The victims were taken out of the trunk and beaten. They were abandoned and eventually found and taken to Great Falls’ Benefis Hospital, where they identified the suspects.

Merrill was arrested Friday on charges of felony assault, felony robbery and misdemeanor assault. He already has convictions in Hill and Custer counties for assault on a peace officer, persistent felony offender for criminal endangerment and escape.

Saddler has previously been convicted in Hill County for partner or family member assault.

Anyone with information on Saddler is asked to call their local authorities.

 

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