DOVER — Brice R. Charest, 36, has been arrested and charged after allegedly threatening employees at Papa Jay’s Pizzeria with a handgun and stealing cash from the business, according to Dover police.
The incident occurred around 7:11 p.m. on Nov. 26, when Charest reportedly entered the restaurant through a rear door, pointed a handgun at staff members, and took money from the cash register. Police said he fled the scene through the rear exit toward the railroad tracks north of the pizzeria.
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
Charest, of 26 Mineral Park Drive, is charged with robbery, a Class A felony carrying a potential sentence of 7.5 to 15 years in prison, along with fines if convicted.
According to investigators, the release of surveillance video showing the suspect pointing a gun at employees prompted tips that helped lead to Charest’s identification and arrest. Officers from Rollinsford Police, New Hampshire State Police, and a Dover police K9 team assisted in the investigation.
Charest was taken into custody at his residence and held at the Strafford County House of Corrections. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 28 in Dover District Court.
