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Troy police have apprehended Shateik Merritt, the suspect in a shooting that occurred at the El Dorado Bar in Troy last September. Merritt, 40, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force in Atlantic City, New Jersey, earlier this month. He was extradited to Troy, where he now faces charges of attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
The incident took place on September 29, when Merritt allegedly shot a bouncer outside the bar after being asked to leave. The victim survived the shooting. Following the incident, Merritt fled the Capital Region, prompting a nationwide search by law enforcement agencies. According to Times Union, an arrest warrant was issued in November, and Merritt was identified as the suspect through interviews conducted with the help of the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center.
Merritt was arraigned in Rensselaer County Court, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded to the Rensselaer County Jail without bail. News10 reports that the Troy Police Department, along with state and federal partners, played a crucial role in tracking down Merritt.
The case is ongoing, and Merritt remains in custody as he awaits further court proceedings. WNYT notes that the arrest brings some closure to the community, which has been seeking justice for the victim.