"This is highly unusual for Mercer," said Frank Lord of Gallery of Frank and Sandy Lord, 116 N. Pitt St.

He was talking about at least nine robberies and several attempted robberies in the Mercer area this past week. At most of the sites, the robber or robbers left a trail of damage and blood.

State police Thursday had Nikolaus W. Beers, 23, whose last known address was 325 Home St., Mercer, in custody in connection with at least three of the robberies. He has been charged with three counts each of burglary, theft and receiving stolen property, police said. He was held in Mercer County Jail overnight and was scheduled to be arraigned this morning before District Justice Ruth M. French, Mercer.

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