Hampton Beach Sees 51 Arrests After Fights Prompt Unlawful Assembly Declaration

HAMPTON, NH — Fifty-one people were arrested Tuesday at Hampton Beach after multiple fights broke out in a large crowd near the Seashell Stage, according to the New Hampshire State Police.

State police said the agency was asked to assist the Hampton Police Department with a large-crowd event advertised on social media. Uniformed patrol troopers and supervisors responded, along with members of the Special Events Response Team and Special Weapons and Tactics units.

According to state police, large crowds gathered around 4 p.m. along Ocean Boulevard as a rainstorm moved through the area and temperatures were near 90 degrees. During the gathering, multiple fights broke out among people in the crowd. Police intervened in the altercations and took several people into custody, a release said. Others in the crowd, however, became unruly, and additional fights followed.

Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno declared an unlawful assembly due to criminal behavior. Troopers repeatedly instructed the crowd to leave through loudspeaker announcements about the unlawful assembly. State police said numerous people ignored and resisted efforts by law enforcement to get them to disperse, leading to additional arrests.

By the end of the event, law enforcement had responded to 127 calls for service and made 51 arrests. The listed charges include riot, second-degree assault, driving under the influence, unlawful possession of alcohol, minor transporting alcohol, and disorderly conduct.

In addition to State Police and Hampton officers, the response included the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and officers from Epping, Kensington, and Seabrook, according to the release.

“The state police are committed to keeping all of New Hampshire, including state beaches, safe and enjoyable for all residents, visitors, and business owners,” the department said in a statement. “Troopers would like to thank community members and the majority of peaceful beachgoers for their cooperation during the event.”

State police said charges are still being finalized, and the names and charges of those arrested will be included in future arrest blotters.