Police on lookout for Dover man in shooting of teen

Kerry Joseph

ROCHESTER - A Dover, N.H., man whom police say has ties to both Rochester and Milton is being sought today in Tuesday’s shooting on Lafayette Street.

Meanwhile, the wounded teen, who was a “targeted” victim, according to Rochester Police, remains fighting for his life in a Portland hospital.

Kerry Joseph, 27, with a last known address of New York Street in Dover, also has ties to Somersworth and Boston. Police say he should be considered dangerous and not to attempt to approach him, but contact police immediately with his location.

The arrest warrant filed on Wednesday accuses Joseph of first-degree assault, a felony.

The shooting occurred in broad daylight as a single shot rang out around 11:30 a.m. and drew an immediate response from lawmen to the area of 42 Lafayette St., where an unidentified 19-year-old sat on the front stoop with a bullet wound to his chest.

The teenager was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital with injuries that were described as life-threatening.

Police say Joseph fled on foot toward the downtown, and while law enforcement scoured the area and searched several nearby buildings, he remains at large.

Joseph is thin, with shoulder-length dreadlocks. At the time of the shooting he was wearing a gray shirt and long jean-style shorts.

Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau said rumors were widely circulated throughout Wednesday that the victim was deceased and Joseph was in custody, both of which are false.

Tipsters should call the Rochester Police Department at 603-330-7128 or they can remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crimeline at 603-335-6500. All calls to the Rochester Crimeline will remain confidential and rewards are given for information, which leads to arrests. You can also text the Rochester Crimeline at CRIMES (274637) in the body write TEXT4CASH followed by your tip.