Rochester transient gets year for being felon in possession in knifepoint robbery

Paul Brooks confers with his defense counsel prior to his sentencing today at Strafford County Superior Court. (Rochester Voice photo)

DOVER - A Rochester man accused of robbing a man at knifepoint in Rochester last August was sentenced today to 12 months in the Strafford County House of Correction.

Paul Brooks, 30, no fixed address, also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest in connection with the Aug. 30 theft, which occurred in a wooded area near Spruce Street.

Police got involved when they received a call for an armed robbery and learned that the victim was at the Cumberland Farms on Knight Street.

The investigation revealed that Brooks had brandished a knife and robbed the victim of personal items.

The victim was able to get away and run to the Cumberland Farms where he called the police.

Later in the afternoon, information was developed that Brooks was behind Wyandotte Falls. Officers went to that area and spotted Brooks by the Cocheco River with a knife in his hand. Police say Brooks was told to put the knife down and come to the officers, but he turned and ran in the opposite direction.

A perimeter was established in the area of Congress and Granite streets and K-9 unit Officer Keith MacKenzie and his bloodhound partner Gunner responded to begin a track.

The pair located Brooks hiding in the woods near the river where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Brooks also pleaded guilty today to theft by unauthorized taking and bank fraud for cashing and signing checks from another man's account in July 2015.

Brooks was also sentenced to 1-2 years in state prison for the August armed robbery, all suspended if he stays on good behavior.

He also will get credit of 203 days already served for his county jail stint.