TD BANK ROBBERY

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

January 29, 2012 2:00 AM

NEWINGTON — A Maine man, who was involved in a string of area robberies in 2006, was arrested Saturday after allegedly robbing the TD Bank branch on Woodbury Avenue at gunpoint.

Newington Police Sgt. Tim Stuart said the department responded to the report of an armed robbery at approximately 1:49 p.m. Witnesses reported the suspect, who they said was armed with a handgun, fled in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Those witnesses pointed police in the direction of Derek Kucinski, 25, of Cape Neddick, Maine, who was taken into custody with the assistance of Portsmouth police at 1:58 p.m. Kucinski is charged with armed robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Saturday evening, Stuart could not name the previous charges against Kucinski, but online archives show he was convicted in 2007 on nine counts of robbery stemming from a four-month-long spree that ended in October 2006. Kucinski was sentenced to five years in federal prison following the robberies, which included financial institutions in Seabrook as well as Haverhill and Newburyport, Mass. At the time, Kucinski told police he took the money to feed his heroin addiction.

Kucinski is being held in the Rockingham House of Corrections without bail. He will likely be arraigned Monday in Portsmouth Circuit Court.

Stuart said Kucinski attempted to flee by vehicle and bailed on foot after police located him, but he was quickly apprehended. The gun, a sum of cash and other evidence were recovered in Kucinski's vehicle, Stuart said.

N.H. State Police also assisted following the robbery.


The TD Bank branch was closed following the incident Saturday. A sign on the door encouraged customers to visit the nearest TD Bank location at Pease International Tradeport, though some customers were seen using the bank's outdoor ATM.

Stuart said no one was injured in the robbery.

The same TD Bank branch was robbed this past November by a man wielding a knife who obscured his face with a hat and bandana. Stuart said Saturday the November robbery is still an open investigation.

Authorities at the time also coordinated with Portsmouth police because of a similar robbery just days earlier at the People's United Bank on Islington Street in Portsmouth. It turned out the two were unrelated.

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By Joey Cresta

jcresta@seacoastonline.com

December 09, 2011 2:00 AM

NEWINGTON — A Dover man shocked customers and Fox Run Mall employees Thursday evening when he ran through the mall, shouting obscenities and smashing storefront windows and glass counter tops with a hammer, police said.

Newington police apprehended Michael Williams, 34, of 105 Locust St., Dover, without incident outside Victoria's Secret after an alleged rampage through the mall at about 4:30 p.m.

Sgt. Tim Stuart said Williams is facing six felonies and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief after causing damage at seven stores. Police may also charge him with reckless conduct, Stuart said.

"It was quite chaotic. People weren't sure what they were hearing, and some people weren't sure what they were seeing," Stuart said.

Williams is alleged to have used a claw hammer to smash glass counter tops at several jewelry stores and plate glass storefronts at several other shops in the mall, which was packed full of holiday shoppers.

Lori Clarke of Acton, Maine, said she was in Pandora Jewelry store when she saw a man charging at her and her two daughters, including her 2-week-old baby.

"He started smashing cabinets next to us," she said. "He wasn't going after the people. He was going after stuff."

Her daughter, Alyssa Clarke-Cartwright, said she initially thought it was a joke, as the man was yelling obscenities as he "skipped" around the mall.

The gates were down at several stores following the incident. Williams allegedly caused damage to the Pandora, Kay and Zales jewelry stores, as well as Motherhood Maternity, The Limited, Yankee Candle and Sleep Number.

Some store employees and customers expressed anxiety over the incident, while others were relieved the man was stopped before causing more damage.

"Thank God he didn't get to us," said Peggy Fennelly, owner of Bill and Bob's Jewelry and Bridal Salon.

Fennelly said there was much confusion as police yelled for people walking in the common area to hide in stores.

She witnessed the arrest. "He was very calm," she said. "They got him on his knees and handcuffed him in the back."

Fennelly said the man's actions made her nervous, given how busy the mall is during the holiday season, but added she has faith in mall security officers to protect people and property.

Mall manager Scott DeCost said he would defer comment to police, but he did express relief that the incident ended without any customer or employee injuries.

Williams had a cut to one of his hands, and the Newington Fire Department responded to oversee glass cleanup and treat a woman who received minor cuts while cleaning up the mess. The mall remained open, but the stores damaged during the rampage were closed Thursday night. Stuart said Williams was "yelling and screaming things that didn't make much sense" throughout the incident, adding that he "has some issues," the extent of which were unknown Thursday night.

 

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Suspect sought after TD Bank robbed in Newington

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N.H. State Police officer Bill Burke glances in the area where area police are searching with K-9 units for a suspect in an armed robbery at TD Bank North on Woodbury Avenue in Newington on Wednesday.Deb Cram photo

By Charles McMahon

cmcmahon@seacoastonline.com   November 03, 2011 2:00 AM

NEWINGTON — Police are investigating whether the armed robbery of TD Bank on Wednesday has any connections to a similar robbery that occurred just miles down the road and only days before in Portsmouth.

At about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, a man walked into the TD Bank with a bandana over his face, showed a teller a knife with an 8-inch blade and committed a robbery, according to Newington Police Chief Jon Tretter.

Tip lines

Those with information about the robbery are urged to call Newington police at 431-5461.

The robber was described as a white male, about 6 feet tall, wearing a green Carthartt jacket, gray hooded sweatshirt, white T-shirt, baggy blue jeans, white sneakers and white gloves.

After the robbery, the man ran north into some woods behind the Woodbury Avenue bank, prompting a search by state troopers and officers from Portsmouth, Greenland, Rochester and Newington.

An agent from the FBI also responded. Tretter accompanied a Rochester K-9 officer with a bloodhound on a track behind the bank. Tretter said it was not immediately known how much money, if any, was stolen from the bank.

Portsmouth authorities are taking part in the investigation into the Newington robbery because of a similar robbery at 11:09 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at People's United Bank on Islington Street. The suspect who demanded cash in that crime was described as a white man in his mid- to late-20s, with blue eyes and one to two days of beard growth, police said. The suspect in the Portsmouth bank robbery was described as wearing tan pants and tan sneakers, a black "puffy" jacket with a hood, and a hunting-style hat with the side flaps pulled down. The hat was described as having a plaid or checkered-style print. No weapon was displayed, according to police.

A gold, older model Ford Escort or Focus sedan was seen in the area around the time of the Portsmouth robbery, but police are not sure whether that vehicle was involved.

"Obviously, when two bank robberies occur within one week of one another it would be foolish not to be involved," said Capt. Corey MacDonald, a detective with the Portsmouth Police Department. "We're working with (Newington) to determine whether there is a connection."

MacDonald said it is too early to tell whether the two robberies are related. In addition to investigating the bank robberies, MacDonald said detectives are also dedicating time and resources to identifying potential underlying activity that could be causing the surge in robberies, burglaries and car break-ins in the Portsmouth area.

MacDonald said drugs, most notably heroin, could be an underlying theme related to the influx in crime on the Seacoast.

The TD Bank robbed Wednesday was the site of a botched robbery attempt on Nov. 14, 2006, when a man demanded cash from a teller. The would-be robber got into an argument with another customer, who complained he was taking too long, and fled out the back door without any money, according to police.

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Plane crash drill at Pease trains crews for the real thing


By RONI REINO
rreino@fosters.com

Monday, October 3, 2011

 

John Huff/Staff photographer Dummies used to represent victims of a plane crash are strewn throughout a field at the end of the runway at Pease as rescue crews from throughout the region participate in a simulated plane crash event Sunday. Click here to view Foster's prints for sale

Related Articles and Media   Article: Dover man seeks help to bring dogs of war back to the states

NEWINGTON — Firefighters and rescue crews swarmed the area behind the town garage by Nimble Hill Road early Sunday morning during a mock plane crash for training purposes.

Along the hill and into the tree line, officials tagged and numbered the "casualties" from the simulated crash, while others closed off roads to traffic and prepared hoses to put out "fires."

As part of a requirement, Portsmouth International Airport at Pease officials worked with local departments for a once-every-three-years training. Officials said the departments must perform a mass fatality drill per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and to stay up-to-date on training.

Bill Hopper, airport manager, said despite the rainy weather, the training went fairly smoothly.

"We try to do something different every time," he said.

In the past, the drills have been done on the tarmac at the airport, but Hopper said this year, the crews wanted to try something new, so they took it to the field and used a bus to simulate the main area of the plane and used inflatable gray bodies to simulate victims in the crash.

"This helps considerably with the training," he said. "It's an opportunity to practice mass causality response, but it could be applied to other events, such as apartment fires or mass crashes."

Officials responded to a call of a Boeing 737 from a hypothetical airline that was believe to have made an early crash landing just before making it to the airport tarmac. About 12 minutes out from the airport, Hopper said the mock plane had its left engine catch on fire. The landing occurred just after 8 a.m.

Executive Assistant at Pease Development Authority Liz LaCava was busy at the Media Center preparing for what would likely be her role during such an emergency. As she lives close to Pease, she said she would likely be working to relay information to the press, while helping them gain proper access to the location.

As in a real crash, LaCava was not given all the information about the crash, despite having helped with the planning for more than a year.

"It's a surprise," she said. "You wouldn't really know what was going to happen."

While driving media over to the mock crash area, she admitted she probably wouldn't be as calm as she was on Sunday morning.

"I'd probably be shaking on the drive over," she said.

Pulling up to the scene, police had closed off portions of Nimble Hill Road and flashing lights from ambulances and fire engines were seen all along the roadway to the site. Fire hoses lined the road as firefighters practiced their response to the "plane crash."

Newington Fire Department Chief Dale Sylvia said he has been through such training multiple times, but never as incident command chief of the event. Since the simulated crash occurred in Newington, it was up to him to take the lead. However, Sylvia said in such an event, it is really about teamwork.

Although the rain was a factor, Sylvia said he was pleased to see so many dedicated people wanting to practice the rare event.

"In the rain, to see so many people still show up, is a testament to the fire service," he said.

Working through some technical issues, he said he made sure communication was still working between all crews and that the "victims" were accounted for and those injured were treated. The mock incident had 71 dead and 21 "walking wounded."

Members from Portsmouth, Greenland, Rochester, Somersworth, Madbury and Kittery, Maine fire departments were on scene with others. McGregor Memorial EMS crews, state police and members of the Medical Examiners office were also at the crash site helping provide assistance.

Over in the temporary staging area, Chief Forensic Investigator Kim Fallon of the Office of Chief Medical Examiners was helping staff tag, record and examine items from the crash. Although she has never had to work on a true mass fatality site, she said being prepared is the best thing departments can do, especially when so much cannot be expected.

"It's so hard to make a plan with so many variables in place," Fallon said. "You spend so much time planning for something that may never happen and today's conditions were realistic."

In the three times Fallon has gone through the training, she said there has been varying weather conditions from rain to extreme cold.

"You can't plan everything, just like in a disaster," she said.

Norma Jean Richardson, assistant deputy medical examiner, was practicing for the first time with the multidepartment response. Working at the admitting table, Fallon was prepared for photographing, filling out forms and tagging items from personal effects to body parts.

Although the crew was using props, Fallon said it was helpful to see how the groups work together in such an incident.

"It was a good experience," she said. "After a while it was just remembering the process and moving things along at a decent flow."

 



 

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    ReStore finds new home in restored Newington roller rink: All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity


By AIMEE LOCKHARDT
Special to the Democrat

Monday, October 3, 2011

 

NEWINGTON — Just as the clock struck 9 a.m. the disco balls went on and more than 30 people streamed into the building that did not hold dancers from the '70s or roller skaters, but instead building materials and appliances.

Saturday was not only a celebration of the third birthday of Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, but also the grand opening of its move to 29 Fox Run Road in Newington.

The store, which sells new and reusable building materials, cabinets, appliances and more at 50 to 80 percent the price, made the move from its original home in Dover. Proceeds from the store support the building of Habitat homes in the local area including a duplex currently being built in Rochester.

Contractors, area residents, retailers and distributors have donated all the items in the store and most of the employees in the building are actually volunteers.

Jessica Tufts is one of many that Habitat has helped. The organization is currently working to build a home for her in Rochester. She attended the opening on Saturday with her daughter, Alex, and 11-year-old son Teagan, who has muscular dystrophy and is confined to a wheelchair.

Tufts said she is thankful for Habitat because they have helped her through a rough time.

"I can stop paying rent and pay mortgage," she said. "That's one of the best things about Habitat."

Tufts said she cannot go shopping at ReStore just yet, but is looking forward to coming back once she has settled into her home.

"I've spotted some great pieces here," she said. "I could foresee myself coming here a lot if they keep getting stuff like this. Absolutely. You need to see it to believe it. It's a lot of nice things and it's affordable and unique¿ You're recycling good products that would normally be in a landfill."

Tufts said her mother-in-law showed up at the store and bought items to redo rooms in her home that she owns with her boyfriend.

"She got things for the bathroom and tiles for the kitchen," she said, "And it's affordable, which is kind of nice when you're working class."

Steve and Debby Armstrong came to ReStore from Stratham after hearing about it on the radio. Both were impressed with what it had to offer. Already having bought an armful of items, the couple returned for another venture around the building to see what they could find. They said they are using the items to finish up little projects around the house and even found items to help out with new ones.

Steve said their best find was a brand new circuit panel box.

"It was in its box," he said, "and a quarter of the cost."

For Debby, aside from the price, the best thing about the store was the unique things you could find in it.

"It has a bit of everything," she said.

In addition, the couple said it made them feel good knowing where the money goes to.

"You feel like you contributed," Steve said. "The stuff is not thrown away. It's getting a second use."
Debby agreed.

"It's a win-win for everyone," she said, and added she felt that it would attract a lot of men for the deals especially since it specializes in home and building supplies.

While the store may attract men looking for good deal on their home improvement projects, ReStore Manager Doug Willey said the store is also for anyone who likes bargains or the idea of reusing or recycling items.

"Some of the stuff comes out of high end homes," he said. "We have 200-some-odd high end lights from an Exeter company that go for $200 and we sell them for $50."

While the prices and variety have been enough to attract people into ReStore, Willey said he is hoping the location will add to the appeal.

"It's right in the shopping media," he said. "Fox Run Mall, Walmart, Texas Roadhouse. People typically come to Newington to shop. It allows good signage. People driving by will see us."

The old ReStore was located in Dover in a building with two floors that only occupied around 10,000 square feet of space. It had very little parking and the area did not provide a lot of exposure to the shop.

"We did well, but we reached our maximum capacity," he said about the old location. "Most of the store was in the basement. There was a lot of up and down in the elevator."

The current location is one floor and 20,000 square feet, allowing plenty of room for the desks, kitchen cabinets, lights and even organ being sold.

"To us one of the best parts is that everything is on one floor," Jonathan Miller, executive director of SENH Habitat, said. "You can walk around and see everything easily."

Walking around people will also notice something else. The place still resembles the old roller skating rink it used to be.

For many the change from Roller Skate Newington to ReStore might be hard to get used to, but Willey said Habitat has not forgotten to pay ode to what was once there. In fact, right as people walk into the building on their right is a display case with many things from the old rink. ReStore has also left the same paint job as well as kept not only the disco balls, but the sound system, too. Willey said some of the very few changes they made were taking down a skating wall and putting up a garage door.

"Other than that it's stayed the same," he said.

One of the main reasons, Willey said, they decided to keep things looking the same was because not only was it cost effective, but he said he understood for the owners and residents that it was difficult to see a staple in the community for 30 years leave.

"There were a lot of first dates and marriage proposals here," he said.

ReStore is hoping it will be as welcomed into the community as the roller skate rink was and aim to make that great first impression with their low prices and store goals.

"People are able to find a really good deal to make improvements on their home while helping a habitat family become a homeowner," Miller summed up the experience.

ReStore is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (603) 750-3200 or visit www.senhhabitat.org/restore.

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Suspicious White Powder

 

                             Officer Tony Harland, John Marsh, and Chief Dale Sylvia

 

By Elizabeth Dinan

edinan@seacoastonline.com

September 28, 2011 9:00 AM

NEWINGTON — Hours after the Gulf Express had been open for business Wednesday morning, a package of white powder was found near a self-serve gas pump, prompting a response by police and fire officials.

A call from the Spaulding Turnpike gas station was made at about 8:15 a.m. when, said Fire Chief Dale Sylvia, the white powder was found wrapped in plastic and duct tape. The station had been open since 5 a.m.

Employee Kara Doran said the package measured about 12 inches by six inches, was partially torn open and the way some of the powder was spilled around it, made it appear as though it was thrown or dropped.

The package was reported to gas station staff by a customer, she said.

“I didn’t know what to do, so I called the police,” said Doran.

The gas station was barricaded by emergency vehicles and construction cones to prevent customers from entering and remained closed for about an hour and a half, said Doran. The Seacoast Technical Assistance Response Team was called and by late morning, the team determined the powder was not hazardous.

Police Lt. Scott Qualls said his department field tested the powder and the test was negative for narcotics. He stressed it was only a field test and said police are considering whether to send it to the state crime lab for further analysis.

Police also collected surveillance images from the gas station and will review those for relevant clues, said Qualls.

 

 

NEWINGTON - The person who stole a laptop computer from a new town police cruiser has very little chance of accessing stored data, said Police Chief Jon Tretter.

"The chance of any release of information from that laptop is about zero," Tretter said. He added that he was recently assured of the security of the information by the provider of the software used by the Police Department.

Tretter said that during an investigation into last week's laptop theft, security measures have been studied, and he's been advised that the computer is password protected and the data is encrypted to prevent the leak of sensitive information.

"You have to have access to the network, and they could never get on," he said Friday. Chief Tretter and a police captain take full responsibility for the incident. The Chief urges anyone who finds a laptop to report it to their local Police Department or contact Lieutenant Scott G. Qualls, at the Newington Police Department. You can also report this crime by

contacting Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 431-1199, by texting to CRIMES (274637) and including TIPSCS in the message, or by visiting Seacoast Crime Stoppers.

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POLICE LAPTOP STOLEN FROM CRUISER PARKED AT DEALERSHIP

NEWINGTON - A Police Department laptop computer containing "a fair amount of records" was stolen from a marked cruiser and an on-board camera was damaged while the cruiser was left at an auto dealership for service, said Newington Chief Jon Tretter.

The theft from and damage to the "brand new" cruiser occurred last week when it was parked overnight at Portsmouth Chevrolet, where it was left for work on decorative trim, Tretter said.

The Chief said he's been advised that it's unlikely anyone could access personal information stored on the stolen laptop because the battery is so old it barely functions without a companion power cord.

In addition, the on-board camera was damaged when a cruiser door was pried open at the Woodbury Avenue auto dealership, he said. Chevrolet has surveillance cameras on site and if anyone is charged with the cruiser crimes, they'll face felonies, said Tretter.

Mike Jones, manager of the auto dealer's auto body department, said he was expecting a police officer to pick up the cruiser after hours, which is why it was left outside overnight. He said if he knew it wasn't going to be picked up, the cruiser would have been stored inside.

"We thought someone was coming to get it," he said. "With a phone call, we would've taken care of it. Obviously, we don't want any thefts here."

Those with information about the crime are encouraged to leave anonymous tips by calling Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 431-1199, send a text message to CRIMES (274637), or logging on to www.seacoastcrimestoppers.org. Rewards are paid for information leading to arrests and convictions.

Article published Jan 23, 2010

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     Motorist cut off by another driver smashes granite sign outside Pease Tradeport

NEWINGTON. - A York, Maine, man narrowly escaped injury Friday morning after police say he was cut off by an inattentive motorist causing him to strike and destroy the granite sign outside the entrance of the Pease Tradeport.

It is the second time in less than a year the sign - valued at more than $5,000 - has been struck.

According to Master Patrolman Leonard Kerekes, around 10:42 a.m. the operator of a 2004 Nissan Titan was westbound on Gosling Road toward the Tradeport entrance when another vehicle ran a red light at the Exit 1 off-ramp and cut him off.

The Nisan driver was identified as 31-year-old Ryan Jones of York, Maine.

Kerekes said Jones was uninjured following the crash, but added his vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage. He said it appears Jones was forced onto the snow-covered median while attempting to avoid a collision with the other driver.

Kerekes said the sign was destroyed - again.

The driver of the other unidentified vehicle fled the scene, said Kerekes.

The original thick granite sign was damaged beyond repair on April 11, 2009, when Dover resident Anthony Hubbard, 25, lost control of his Ford Explorer while attempting to negotiate the Exit 1 off-ramp. Police said at the time that Hubbard's vehicle had faulty brakes when attempting to make the right turn onto Pease Boulevard. Hubbard was uninjured in the accident.

Upon hearing the sign had been struck again on Friday, Pease Development Authority Executive Director David Mullen said he was in "mourning." Mullen said he was glad to hear that the driver of the truck was all right.

Pease officials had spent nearly $9,300 on replacing the sign after the first time it happened. The figure was slightly higher said Mullen because Pease officials purchased an additional sign for the Route 33 entrance into the Tradeport at the same time.

Mullen said in replacing the sign after the most recent accident, Pease officials will consider moving it farther down the median strip out of the area of the intersection.

"I like where it is located because it's at a prominent point of the Tradeport, but apparently it seems to be in ground zero," Mullen said.

Kerekes said the investigation into the accident is ongoing and Jones will not be charged.

Charges could be facing the driver who ran the red light, should he or she be identified, said Kerekes.

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Article published Jan 13, 2010 - FOSTER'S DEMOCRAT

Newington police: Somersworth man found with drugs after punching manager at roller-skating rink

NEWINGTON - A Somersworth man is headed back to prison after being charged with punching a roller-skating rink manager in the face and later being found with half a pound of marijuana police say was packaged for sale.

Michael J. Skidmore, 22, of 1 Kings Lane, was arraigned in Portsmouth District Court on Monday on a felony charge of possession of a controlled drug with the intent to distribute and a Class A misdemeanor count of simple assault.

Skidmore was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail on his Newington charges, but court documents indicate he is on parole and will be returned to prison where he had been held for a previous conviction for armed robbery.

Newington authorities came into contact with Skidmore on Saturday at roughly 2 p.m. when officers were dispatched to Roller Skate Newington at 29 Fox Run Road.

Officers were summoned when someone reported that Skidmore had punched the manager of the roller-skating rink in the face as he was attempting to escort him out of the building.

An arrest affidavit indicated police found Skidmore at a nearby business and that the suspect admitted he had marijuana in his backpack.

Authorities indicate a witness came into contact with Skidmore who asked if he could "get rid of the bag" before police arrived, but he did not and an office confronted him about what was in the backpack.

Police indicate they opened Skidmore's backpack to find eight one-ounce bags of marijuana.

Newington Police Capt. Brian Newcomer told Judge Sawako Gardner on Monday that he had been in contact with Skidmore's parole officer and that the parole officer would be requesting he be held without bail so Skidmore might be taken back to prison.

Court paperwork indicated Skidmore has a criminal history that includes convictions for armed robbery and forgery.

Skidmore will next appear in Portsmouth District Court on Feb. 2 for a probable cause hearing on his Newington charge.

                                     

Article published May 6, 2009

Strafford father accused of leaving child in car while at movies in Newington pleads not guilty

NEWINGTON - A Strafford man who allegedly left his 3-year-old child strapped in a car seat while he went to watch a movie with two other children has pleaded not guilty to a child endangerment charge.

Christopher Lunny, 37, of 978 Crown Point Road, told police he accidentally left the youngest of the children in the vehicle during a March 14 trip to the Regal Cinemas, according to Newington Police Capt. Brian Newcomer.

"He says he forgot about the kid ... that's his only explanation," Newcomer said.

Newcomer said he is moving forward with the charges.

Lunny pleaded not guilty to a Class B misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child on Monday in Portsmouth District Court and is free on $500 personal recognizance bail.

The Strafford father is charged with leaving the child in a car parked behind Kohl's department store in the Crossings at Fox Run Mall while he went to a movie at the Regal Cinemas.

A passerby flagged down a Newington officer and alerted him to the child in the vehicle and Lunny was located in the theater.

Newcomer said the child left in the car was Lunny's and was alone for approximately 30-40 minutes.

The police captain said Lunny was located watching a children's movie at Regal Cinemas with another of his children and one of their friends.

Newcomer said the weather was fortunately mild on the night of the incident.

Lunny's "not guilty" plea will result in a trial being scheduled.

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'Barker' mannequin dognapped from Newington Old Navy store

                                     Tuesday, March 31, 2009

NEWINGTON — Police are investigating the theft of a life-size canine mannequin named "Barker" from the local Old Navy Department store.

According to a "missing" sign posted on the doors of the Gosling Road department store, Barker was "dognapped" on March 25 and was considered to be "a valuable companion to our team, our supermodelquins, and all of the children that visit Old Navy each day."

Store employees were unable to comment on the alleged theft Monday and referred all inquiries to their corporate offices.

Lt. Scott Qualls said police have been notified of the alleged theft, but don't have many leads or suspects and are not yet aware of any witnesses.

Qualls said the store employee who reported the theft said Barker was inside the store when it opened up on March 25 and was discovered missing as employees began to close up later that day.

The same employee said Barker was valued between $500 and $1,000, according to Qualls.

The flier on the doors of the retail store asks anyone who may have a tip or information about Barker's whereabouts to call the Newington Police at 436-7033 or the Newington Old Navy at 422-0955.


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                                             Foster's - Motorcyclist Hospitalized in Newington Accident

NEWINGTON - A motorcyclist was hospitalized with non life threatening injuries Saturday afternoon after a motor vehicle accident near the Fox Run Mall.

Firefighters were dispatched at 3:22 p.m. to the area around the Outback Steakhouse entrance for reports of a collision between an SUV and motorcycle.

First responders found Chapman Baetzel of Dover had sustained a leg injury as a result of his motorcycle colliding with the SUV, driven by Suzanne Tomaszewski of Nottingham.

Portsmouth emergency medical technicians took Baetzel to Portsmouth Regional Hospital because the Newington ambulance was at a medical call that occurred at the same time, Fire Lt. David Low said.

Baetzel's condition was unknown Saturday night, but Low characterized Baetzel's injuries as not life threatening.

Police Sgt. Tim Stuart said it was too early to tell who was at fault and whether charges could be brought against either motorist.

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NEWINGTON - Someone's on the lam with a stolen dog.

According to Stephanie Bowes, general manager of Pet Connection in the Fox Run Mall, a white female Pekingese pup was taken from the store  dogs in the store. When they left, she said, she quickly noticed the Pekingese was not there.

The store has only been open for about three weeks, according to Bowes. A male puppy who looks virtually identical and was in the same area was not stolen, she said.

She said the theft will likely force the store to install security devices.

"It's just a shame. We try to have them out so that people can play with them, socialize them," Bowes said. Bowes said the dog was valued at over $1 ,500. Newington police officer Seth Appelbaum said the dog's price tag would make the theft a felony.

"I don't think they thought about the consequences," Bowes said.

Bowes said the dog has a micro chip implanted that any veterinary hospital or other service with an appropriate scanner will be able to check. The dog will come up as stolen when scanned, she added.

Bowes described the teenagers she suspects in the crime as being in the 15- to 16-year-old range; two were girls with long brown hair, while the three boys wore baseball caps and baggy jeans.