MANCHESTER, NH – A man with a backpack caught the attention of a passing police officer for acting “suspiciously,” resulting in his arrest for merchandise allegedly stolen from a local music store.
On Aug. 9 at about 7:20 p.m. Officer Brian Gillotte was driving in his cruiser on Willow Street when he noticed a man, later identified as Jacob James, 27, of 151 Lake Ave., walking north on Willow Street near Grove Street.
James placed his back pack on the ground as Officer Gillotte drove by, and Officer Gillotte felt something was amiss, so he reversed direction while looking in his rearview mirror. While doing so, he watched James pick up the backpack and continue walking on Willow Street.
Officer Gillotte caught up to James and spoke with him. He agreed to show Officer Gillette the contents of his backpack. One of the items was a recently stolen amplifier. Unbeknownst to the officer, James allegedly removed the amplifier from Music Mill, 329 Elm St., a short while before the officer spotted him on Willow Street.
Officer Ryan Boynton spoke with the store owner and he confirmed the amplifier, valued at $649, was taken from his store. James was placed into custody and transported to police headquarters. He was charged with receiving stolen property and scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on August 10, 2016.
