Police search for 2 suspects in assault on Molunkus man

MOLUNKUS – Police were looking for two men Wednesday they believe were involved in an attack on a local man Christmas night in his home on Old Aroostook Road.

About 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Daniel and Rhonda Merritt said they were visited at their home by David Bates, 40, reportedly from the Lowell area, Detective Sgt. Dennis Appleton of the Maine State Police said.

According to what Merritt reported to police, Bates told the couple he had arrived to pay back some money he owed Merritt. When he found that Merritt was home, Bates allegedly went back to his truck, supposedly to get the money.

Instead he allegedly returned with a rifle and ordered the Merritts to stand against a wall.

At some point, Bates looked away briefly, Daniel Merritt attempted to grab the gun, and a scuffle broke out. Rhonda Merritt fled the room.

During the scuffle, Merritt became aware that he was being stabbed by a second person who had come into the house.

Police also were looking for Bates’ son, Joshua Michaud, in his 20s. Appleton said Michaud was seen with Bates about 10 minutes before the attack on Merritt and may have been involved in the incident or witnessed it.

During the scuffle, Rhonda Merritt re-entered the room with a handgun, prompting the two assailants to flee.

Appleton said the men fled in a dark gray 1978 Chevrolet pickup truck with Maine registration 8414 GA.

The rifle that police believe was used by Bates was found not far from the scene on Route 2A, badly damaged after it had been run over several times by vehicles. A knife also was reported found.

The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and Maine State Police at Orono were called.

Merritt was taken to Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln, where a staff member said he was treated and released.

Molunkus is in Aroostook County about 45 miles south of Houlton near the Penobscot County line.