A Somerville man was arrested this morning, moments after committing a bank robbery in busy Davis Square. Daniel Merrill, age 26, was observed by investigators who had all Davis Square area banks under surveillance.  Merrill was observed by Somerville Detective Nadile as he entered the Eastern Bank on Elm Street shortly before 9:30, dressed in a hooded sweat shirt.  He exited the bank minutes later and began running toward Day Street while removing his outer shirt.  He was followed by Detective Nadile.  As he turned onto Day Street, Somerville detectives and agents of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force quickly detained him as police were receiving the broadcast for hold-up alarm from the Eastern Bank.

As a result of the investigation, Merrill is also being charged with three other Davis Square robberies over the last two weeks.  In three of those robberies, Merrill allegedly threatened that he had a bomb.  Merrill will be charged as follows

November 19                  Sovereign Bank     Unarmed Robbery

November 25                  Citizens Bank                   Armed Robbery; Making False Report of Explosives

November 29                  Winter Hill Savings  Armed Robbery; Making False Report of Explosives

December 5                   Eastern Bank                   Armed Robbery; Making False Report of Explosives

All Davis Square banks had been under surveillance since last week by Somerville Detectives and investigators from the FBI violent Crimes Task Force,, consisting of investigators from the State Police, Boston, Malden, Somerville Police and FBI Agents.

Merrill was not armed when arrested.  In each of the robberies, Merrill allegedly passed a note demanding cash.    The demand note and stolen cash was recovered.  Merrill will be arraigned later today in Somerville District Court.  No booking photo will be available at this time.

(updated by the Somerville Police, previously reported by William Tauro)