HAMPTON, NH – Dozens were arrested May 19 after multiple fights occurred amid large crowds at Hampton Beach.
New Hampshire State Police assisted members of the Hampton Police Department with a “large-crowd event,” which had been advertised on social media. Uniformed patrol Troopers and supervisors, as well as members of the Special Events Response Team (SERT) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Units, responded.
Hampton Beach Police Chief Alexander Reno said there were two separate “Hampton Beach Takeover” events as well as multiple school skip days that were scheduled for Tuesday, which brought thousands of people to the beach.
Reno said that in recent years, the takeover events planned on social media bring large groups to Hampton Beach and “devolve into drinking, fighting, disorderly and generally unsafe behavior.”
At about 4 p.m., while a rainstorm moved through the area and temperatures were near 90 degrees, large crowds gathered in the area of the Seashell Stage, along Ocean Boulevard. During the gathering, multiple fights among members of the crowd occurred, according to police. While law enforcement intervened in the altercations and several people were taken into custody, others in the crowd became unruly, and additional fights took place.
As a result of the criminal behavior, Chief Reno declared an unlawful assembly. Troopers then repeatedly instructed the crowd to leave the area through loudspeaker announcements regarding the unlawful assembly. Numerous people disregarded and resisted efforts by law enforcement to encourage them to disperse, and more arrests were made.
By the end of the event, law enforcement responded to 127 calls for service and made 51 arrests on charges that include riot, second-degree assault, driving under the influence (DUI), unlawful possession of alcohol, minor transporting alcohol, and disorderly conduct. At this time, charges are still being finalized, and the names and charges of those arrested will be included in future arrest blotters.
In addition to the State Police, members of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the communities of Epping, Kensington, and Seabrook assisted the Hampton Police Department.
The State Police are committed to keeping all of New Hampshire, including state beaches, safe and enjoyable for all residents, visitors, and business owners. Troopers would like to thank community members and the majority of peaceful beachgoers for their cooperation during the event.