Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas is burglarized
News | Published on April 2, 2024 at 4:26pm EDT | Author: frazeevergas
0Suspect in custody, stolen items found
A burglary was reported at Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill in Vergas overnight Wednesday, March 27.
By Robert Williams
Editor
Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill in Vergas was burglarized and a gun was stolen during the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 27.
According to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, entry was gained into the business by smashing out a front window.
While inside the business, security video shows the suspect smash out a glass showcase containing a 9mm handgun which was set to be raffled off.
Investigators conducted a search warrant of a residence near Vergas on Thursday, March 28, and recovered the stolen handgun.
Donald Arthur Merrill Jr. was arrested at the scene and charged with 1st Degree Burglary and felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently in custody in Fergus Falls.
Merrill, Jr. has previous convictions of a felon in possession of a firearm, criminal damage to property, and theft in 2022, along with a DWI conviction in 2021.
Billy’s posted about the incident on social media, which included a “huge thank you goes out to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department on their quick response and handling of this matter.”