Rochester pair arrested in 2 vehicle thefts, could be linked to theft spree: police

Katie Berube, Shawn Hartford (Police mugshots)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police on Sunday made an arrest that may be connected to a spree of stolen vehicles in the city in the past two weeks.

The arrest unfolded when Rochester Police responded to Grandview Campground on Four Rod Road for the report of a vehicle ramming the gate. It was reported that a light colored sedan had sped into the driveway, crashed through the white security gate, and then drove off into the park.

Officers checked the park and located a Silver Lincoln MKS, which had been reported stolen out of Somersworth earlier in the day. The vehicle was running, had its lights on and the driver appeared passed out behind the wheel.

During the investigation, officers learned the license plate on the vehicle did not match and the driver, Katie Berube, 25, of Rochester, was impaired and operating without a valid driver's license.

Police also located what they believe was heroin in Berube's possession. She was charged with conduct after an accident, possession of drugs, receiving stolen property, DUI, driving after revocation/suspension and misuse of plates. Berube was also arrested on a Capias for receiving stolen property.

Berube was held without bail and arraigned on Monday at Strafford County Superior Court.

While Police were investigating that incident, it was also reported that a red 2004 Ford F350 had been stolen from the campground.

On Monday the Ford F350 stolen from the campground was located in Farmington. While Farmington Police were investigating the recovery of that vehicle, they came in contact with Shawn Hartford, 33, of Rochester.

Hartford had an active felony level theft warrant for his arrest from Rochester Police regarding a stolen Volkswagen Jetta from Lambert's Auto in Rochester on April 20 and was taken into custody on that warrant. The Jetta was located later the same day in Somersworth.

Hartford was held without bail and transported to Strafford County Jail, where he is still being held.

Rochester Police are still investigating multiple other cases involving other stolen motor vehicles in the city and believe that these cases may be connected.

Police are asking that anyone who may have information regarding any stolen motor vehicles contact them at 603-330-7128. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.