Two Frederick County men arrested in Sunday night BB gun shooting spree

Two Frederick County men suspected of damaging vehicle windows and shooting at and wounding three pedestrians with a BB gun on Sunday night are under arrest.

Evan Michael Merriman, 18, of the 100 block of Fern Court and Nathan Ryan West, 18, of the 100 block of Berkshire Circle, have been arrested and charged with 3 counts of malicious wounding, 1 count of discharge of a firearm within the city limits, and 11 counts of destruction of property, according to a press release issued today by the Winchester Police Department.

The release describes the incidents:

"On March 8, 2009 at approximately 7:15 p.m., Corporal Spishak responded to a report of a destruction of property to a vehicle in the 700 block of Woodland Avenue. While investigating the incident, the officer was approached by three other residents who advised the driver's side window to their vehicles had also been damaged while parked on Woodland Avenue. Three more vehicles were located on Chestnut Street and one on Molden Drive with the same type of damage. Throughout the evening, officers responded to other locations in the City of Winchester for vehicle windows damaged.

"At approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to a report of two victims being shot with a BB gun. The victims, both juveniles, reported that while attempting to cross the street at Kent and Piccadilly Street, they were each shot by a male who had fled and was last seen in the passenger seat of a dark green Honda. One victim was shot on his left forearm and the other on his back.

"An hour later, officers responded to the area of Loudoun and Piccadilly for a report of another victim being shot with a BB gun. He was shot on the back. Based on the description provided by the 20 year old male victim, Corporals McCoy and Schraff located and apprehended the suspects in possession of a BB gun running near the intersection of Braddock and Piccadilly Streets. The suspects were identified as Merriman and West. Based on statements provided to police, officers anticipate further reports of vehicles damaged. Therefore, additional charges will be sought as reports are received. "

Damage has been estimated at $2,500. One victim was transported to the Winchester Medical Center with minor injuries.

Merriman and West are being held without bond at the Northwest Regional Adult Detention Center.