Nashua Man Arrested on Gun Theft Charge

NASHUA, NH —Police have arrested a Nashua man accused of stealing a firearm and other items from a vehicle in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday . Eric Violette, 35, who reportedly tried to flee from police, was charged with several counts of felony theft, as well as resisting arrest and loitering.

Police say that around 2:17 a.m. Saturday, they went to Williams Court after getting a report of a suspicious person in that area. Upon arrival police encountered Violette, who matched the description of the suspicious person, police say. Violette then began to flee from the officers, resulting in a short foot pursuit, according to police. Officers apprehended and arrested Violette around 2:28 a.m.

About seven minutes later, the Police Department got a report that a firearm and other items had been stolen from a vehicle at a local business. Police officers found that Violette was in possession of some of the items reported stolen. They also located the firearm near the area where they first encountered Violette, police say.

Violette was charged with Class A felony theft, Class B felony theft, two counts of Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest, and violation-level loitering.

According to police, Violette also had an arrest warrant on a separate theft charge relating to a July 2018 incident in Nashua. He also had a warrant for not appearing at Hillsborough County Superior Court.

A Class A felony carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison, while a Class B felony carries a maximum possible sentence of 7 years in prison, not including fines. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, while a violation-level offense can result in a maximum of $1,000 fine.

Violette refused bail on Saturday and was held in jail over this weekend pending arraignment in Hillsborough County Superior Court, which was scheduled for Monday.