Staff reports 8:28 a.m.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 8:24 am
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ROCHESTER - A Rochester woman who police say had a hatchet and machete in her possession during a shoplifting arrest at the North Street Cumberland Farms earlier this month was likely released on no bail, because the weapons were not used in the commission of the alleged theft, but found on her person during a search while being arrested.
Still many Rochester Voice readers were incredulous that after being charged with two felonies including felon in possession that she would be set free on personal recognizance.
"Yes, a machete and hatchet could be defined as "Dangerous Weapons," noted Rochester Police Capt. Jeremy Aucoin. "Some things that can be taken into account when deciding bail are what was the seriousness of the current crime that the person was arrested for, and were there any weapons used."
Aucoin added that "since the person was arrested for "shoplifting" (and) there was no resisting arrest, there were no other serious issues/factors to the arrest."
"All these factors could have played a role in the person's release and decision by the Bail Commissioner," Aucoin concluded.
Aucoin added that Megan R Arnst, 34, was not considered a flight risk.
In addition, her arrest history appears to have no violent tendencies.
Arnst was arrested around 9:20 p.m. the evening of March 3 after police responded to the Cumberland Farms where they interviewed her regarding the shoplifting report. During her arrest police found a hatchet inside her purse and a large machete under her coat, according to Aucoin.
Arnst was charged with felony theft by unauthorized taking and being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon after being convicted of theft-related felony charges in the past.
Aucoin said she was released on bail with conditions to have no dangerous weapons in her possession, but some Rochester Voice readers felt she should have been held on cash bail.
"So has two deadly weapons on them while shoplifting ... totally makes sense just release them!" said one commenter.
"Released in pr with a pending felony and had multiple knives. Oh ok this totally makes sense," quipped another.
"So she committed armed robbery and was just released on PR bail... glad to see the bail process in NH is still a complete joke." another reader said.
Arnst faces an arraignment on April 14 at 8:30 a.m. in the 7th Circuit - District Division- Rochester.