Police: Pair Tried to Switch Seats After Vehicle Stop

A pair of Merrimack residents is facing charges following a motor vehicle stop in which police said the driver and passenger attempted to switch seats after being pulled over.

Shantal Weibel, 23, of 26 Four Seasons Road, Merrimack, was charged with hindering apprehension for attempting to mask that Michael Roberge, 36, of the same address, was driving when they were stopped on Oct. 25, police say. 

Roberge, who was charged with operating as a habitual offender and operating after suspension, was behind the wheel of a 2000 Dodge caravan when police pulled him over on Turkey Hill Road near Iris Drive, according to a press release. Police say they stopped the car for a motor vehicle infraction after receiving a complaint of erratic operation.

According to Merrimack Police, the officer observed the driver, Roberge, switch seats with a female passenger, Weibel. Both were arrested and Weibel was later released on $500 personal recognizance bail, Roberge on $2,000 cash or surety bail, which he posted. Both were ordered to appear before the 9^th Circuit Court – Merrimack Division in Merrimack on Nov. 6, to answer to the charge. 

Also arrested at the end of last week was:

Omar Hernandez, 18, of 215 Haines St., Nashua, was charged on Thursday, Oct. 25, for possession of a controlled drug. Police say an officer investigating a vehicle parked at the Digital Credit Union found Hernandez in the parked car and notices signs of drug use. Upon further investigation, Hernandez was found to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. Hernandez was arrested and released on $500 personal recognizance bail and he is scheduled to appear before the 9^th Circuit Court-Merrimack Division on Nov. 6.