Area transient charged with theft of gun from parked car

Scott Jones (Dover Police photo)

DOVER - Dover Police have arrested a man they say stole a firearm and other items during a series of thefts from automobiles earlier this week.

Scott Jones, 24, who has no fixed address, has been charged with one count of felony theft and two counts of misdemeanor theft. The charges stem from a series of thefts from motor vehicles on Labrador Lane and Varney Road that occurred during the early morning hours on Tuesday.

One item stolen was a handgun, and other items included cash and sunglasses. A residential security camera in the neighborhood captured images of the suspect. Using those images, Dover Police Department detectives were able to identify Jones with the help of the Rochester and Somersworth Police Departments.

After Dover detectives obtained a warrant for Jones' arrest, Rochester police officers were able to locate him and arrest him in Rochester. Through further investigation, detectives were able to recover the stolen firearm.

Jones declined the services of a bail commissioner and was held at the Strafford County House of Correction for arraignment in Strafford County Superior Court sometime today.

The Dover Police Department thanked Rochester Somersworth police for their help in the case.

Dover Police also took the opportunity to remind residents to lock their vehicles when they are parked.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Dover Police Department at 603-742-4646. Anonymous tips may be called into the Dover Crimeline at 603-749-6000 or via www.dovernhcrimeline.org.