NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – A 17-year-old boy faces arraignment for allegedly raping a teenage clerk during a robbery at a western New York candy store.
Police in Niagara Falls said they arrested Anthony Merkel Monday afternoon as he tried to hide in his grandmother's home. He was charged with rape, robbery and sexual abuse.
Merkel walked into Watson's Chocolate Shop Saturday night, grabbed a knife from a sample display and forced the clerk into a back room, where he raped and assaulted her, authorities said.
Police said the victim was able to describe her assailant and his image was captured on a surveillance camera at a neighboring store. Officers nearly caught Merkel Saturday night, but he managed to get away on foot.
Police tracked him to his grandmother's house, where he was found hiding behind a false wall.
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