Merrimack Man Arrested on Stolen Handgun Charge

MERRIMACK, NH - A local man will be in court next month on a felony receiving stolen property charge connected to a drunk driving arrest two months ago.

William C. Donovan, 38, of Blair Road in Merrimack, was arrested on Dec. 3, 2015, on a warrant issued by police.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Merrimack Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.

According to Lt. Matthew Tarleton of the Merrimack Police Department, in September 2015, Donovan was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor. At the time of the arrest, an inventory search was performed on his vehicle. Inside, police allegedly found a black backpack with a semi-automatic handgun inside it.

“Upon questioning Donovan about the recovered handgun, he denied knowledge of its existence, claiming he simply found the backpack and knew nothing of the firearm,” Tarleton reported. “Donovan was subsequently charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.”

Police investigated the history of the gun and its original owner was located in Auburn. That person reported the gun stolen from their vehicle while visiting friends in Merrimack. After the investigation, a warrant was issued against Donovan.

Donovan was released on personal recognizance bail and is due in court on Jan. 7, 2016.