In Bay State: Merrimack Man Charged With Armed Robbery, Assault

Massachusetts State Police on Tuesday arrested and charged a Merrimack man with armed robbery with a firearm, armed assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and operating after suspension.

The allegations stem from an armed robbery that occurred on Prospect Street in Lawrence, Mass., where the local police issued an alert for a silver 2005 Honda Civic wanted in connection with the crime.

A trooper working a construction detail on Route 495 in Tewksbury identified the vehicle and, with back-up called, assisted in pulling the driver over.

Massachusetts State Police said Joseph Brodie, 43, of Merrimack, was the driver. He was arrested, as was Ein Nickerson, 29, of Nashua. Police said a black firearm was found under the passenger's seat. It was a BB gun.

Police said both men were identified by a witness to the robbery. 

Nickerson was charged with armed robbery with a firearm, armed assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery. Police said the men were held on $25,000 cash bail at the Middleton House of Correction until their arraignment, scheduled for Sept. 26, in Lawrence District Court.