ROCKPORT — A Rockland man was arrested Dec. 4 after Rockport police found him hiding inside a former unoccupied eye care office building and allegedly stealing items that were remaining from the practice.

Nicholas A. Gray, 29, was charged with theft and burglary. He made his initial court appearance Dec. 6 before Justice Jeffrey Hjelm.

According to the affidavit filed in Knox County Court by the Rockport Police Department, on Dec. 4 the owner of the former Maine Coast Eye Care at 34 Old County Road went to the building and found that the heat was turned up and there was an odor of cigarette smoke inside.

The owner went outside and called police.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Gray hiding under a folding table. He had items from the former business in his possession and a bag containing personal items.

Police said it appeared that Gray had been inside the building since the previous night since there were no fresh tracks in the snow, according to affidavit.

He told police that he had been released from Pen Bay Medical Center and had no place to live.

Gray was transported to the Knox County Jail until his court appearance Dec. 6.

He is currently on supervised release and must continue working with a counselor and resides at a residence approved by his Maine Pretrial Contract.

Gray will appear in court again on Feb. 2 for a dispositional conference.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com