Homeless Felon Arrested on Gun and Drug Charges

Concord, NH —

A district court judge held a homeless felon accused of possessing a gun and drugs, who was also a “person of interest” in a park shooting last week, on preventative detention Wednesday. Concord District Court Judge Kristin Spath agreed with a prosecutor that Vincent Mott, 33, a homeless man now located in Concord, should be held. He was arrested on Monday in Bicentennial Square by Central New Hampshire Special Operations Unit, the city’s SWAT team, after exiting an apartment building on Odd Fellows Drive and hopping into a cab. Mott became a “person of interest,” according to Concord police, after a shooting that occurred in Healy Memorial Park last week.

During the Bicentennial Square arrest, he was accused of possessing a .38 Ruger handgun and two baggies of drugs — one of which he attempted to dispose of while he was in custody, according to an affidavit. Mott was wanted on several warrants for nonappearance in court on drug sale, possession, strangulation, domestic violence, stolen property, loitering and prowling, and other charges.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord District Court and does not indicate a conviction. Mott did not appear at an arraignment on Tuesday due to not feeling well.

During the arraignment Wednesday, by video from the Merrimack County Jail, he appeared to be nodding off in his chair. Spath read the active warrants as well as the new charges against Mott but said he could enter no plea on the felonies. They will be boundover, at some point, to superior court. She then asked for comments about whether he should be bailed.

Michaela O’Rourke, the city prosecutor, said Mott should be held due to missing prior court dates on a wide array of charges. She said the court had already “generously” allowed him to be released on cash bail, and he was supposed to seek drug treatment but “failed to do so” and, instead, bought more drugs and a gun. O’Rourke also accused him of being a danger to the community due to possessing the handgun even though he was a felon. She added Mott was “a person of interest in a shooting that occurred this week.”

Hannah Ackerman, an attorney for the defense, objected to O’Rourke mentioning the Healy Park incident. “I have no information, whatsoever, from the state, about … I don’t know if it’s being presented as an allegation … but I would say the court shouldn’t consider something hasn’t been noticed and that we haven’t received any information about,” she said.

Effect on Individuals

Individuals in the community may feel a sense of unease and concern knowing that a homeless felon with a history of drug-related charges and violence is roaming the streets. It may also highlight the need for better support and resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse and homelessness.

Effect on the World

While this case may seem like a local issue, it sheds light on the larger societal issues of homelessness, substance abuse, and firearm possession among felons. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these issues on a broader scale to ensure the safety and well-being of communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the arrest and preventative detention of Vincent Mott bring to light the complex and challenging issues surrounding homelessness, substance abuse, and firearm possession. It serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive solutions to address these issues and ensure the safety of individuals and communities.