Gonic man nabbed in hit-run, being felon with firearm

Stephen Clough (Rochester Police photo)

GONIC - A Gonic man arrested in a hit and run accident involving a bicyclist on Wednesday found himself saddled with additional charges after police say they later found he was a felon in possession of a loaded handgun found inside his car.

The incident began a little before 5 p.m. when Rochester Police, Rochester Fire and Frisbie EMS responded to the area of Rochester Neck Road and Gonic Road for the report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident involving a bicyclist.

After a brief investigation it was determined that a 2004 Chrysler Sebring driven by Stephen Clough, of 15 Stillwater Circle, Gonic, was coming off of Rochester Neck Road taking a right onto Gonic Road to head north when it struck the bicyclist.

A witness reportedly saw the accident, watched as Clough left the scene without stopping and followed the vehicle notifying Rochester Police of the incident and where the vehicle was located. The Sebring had sustained minor damage to the front bumper and hood area.

The bicyclist, Matthew Granger, of 31 Nutter St., Rochester, received a minor leg injury.

Clough was arrested for conduct after an accident, carrying a loaded handgun without a license and being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon. He was bailed on $1,000 cash pending a court date later this month in Strafford County Superior Court.

Rochester Police are asking anyone who may have information that could assist with this investigation to call the Rochester Police Department at 330-7128. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.