There have been a few robberies in Oregon Hill this fall, but thanks to one of our canine neighbors at 412 Pine Street, the dastardly criminals were cornered and apprehended.

It all began a fateful night in October after a couple was robbed by two men near the Chuck Wagon. The scoundrels fled and tried to hide in some backyards. But unbeknownst to them, Merlyn the magic dog was ready to spring into action and defend the neighborhood.

He informed his family member Bill Berry that something was afoot by barking loudly at the back door in his "I want to get something" bark. After Bill let him out, he noticed a teenager run from the side of his house. Then he spied a police office with a flash light in the alley. He was surprised to hear the intruder calling out "Help, help! I'm over here. I'm the one you want. Get this dog off of me." Merlyn was at the teen's legs, either grabbing hold of his pants or snapping at him in the dark backyard.

Suddenly 6 or 7 police officers appeared in the alley between Pine and Laurel. They yelled out "Put up your hands and throw down your gun!" The intruder said he had no gun, but the officers weren't about to come in the yard to face Merlyn. They feared Merlyn might mistake them for robbers too. But the teen was able to get away and climb the fence, He appeared grateful at being handcuffed and led away. His accomplice was caught shortly after. The two admitted to at least two robberies in the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Merlyn was happy to go back inside after his first encounter with the criminal element. He was rewarded for his efforts with a big treat and a hug.