Two Attempt to Steal $1,600 in Best Buy Items

Two men were charged with drug possession and theft Monday after they allegedly stole $1,600 worth of merchandise from Salem's Best Buy store.

Police said Derek Dignan, 26, of Hudson, was charged with felony theft, felony drug possession and was arrested on an active warrant following the incident. Also charged was Jimmy Jacques, 19, of Hudson, with felony accomplice to theft and felony heroin possession.

Salem Police responded to Best Buy at 290 South Broadway at approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday for a report of a male subject in the store concealing several electronic device. According to police, the male had been in the store the previous day attempting to steal items.

Responding officers noticed a suspicious vehicle driving around the Best Buy lot, and shortly thereafter the suspect inside the store exited and jumped into the vehicle.

Cruisers quickly boxed in the vehicle and police witnessed one of the males "quickly swallowing pills as they approached the car."

Both suspects were taken into custody following "a brief struggle."

Recovered merchandise at the scene was valued at $1,600 and included three Sony Camcorders, two Kindles and two sets of Sony headphones.

Officers also seized Clonozapan pills, a small amount of heroin, spoons and syringes from the suspects. Police said both Dignan and Jacques refused bail and were transported to Rockingham County jail pending arraignment in Salem District Court.