SALEM, N.H. — Three men were arrested early yesterday in a car police said they believe they stole from a man trying to buy drugs in downtown Lawrence.

Elvis DeJesus, 18, Jose Rodriguez, 31, and Steven Perez, 19, all of Lawrence, were arrested about 1 a.m. on charges of receiving stolen property.

The driver was stopped for speeding near 294 N. Broadway in Salem, but police quickly discovered that none of the men owned the vehicle and they told different stories as to why they were riding in it, police Capt. Shawn Patten said.

"They gave conflicting accounts of why they were in possession of the vehicle," Patten said.

Police contacted one of the vehicle's two owners, who told them her husband took the car out and was expected to be back shortly, but had been missing for several hours, Patten said.

"We at first had concern with the health and well-being of the person last in possession of the vehicle," Patten said.

The car's owner, who was not identified by police, was eventually found on the streets of downtown Lawrence later in the morning. Police said they believe the car was stolen while he was attempting to buy drugs, Patten said.

All three men were arraigned yesterday morning in Salem District Court. Bail was set at $25,000 cash or surety for Rodriguez and Perez, and $10,000 for DeJesus.