Riot to interrupt Manchester search warrant results in officer assault and multiple arrests

Roberta Baker, The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester
·1 min read

May 10—Three were arrested after an unruly crowd allegedly antagonized police serving a search warrant Thursday in Manchester and an officer was assaulted.

About 3:30 pm, the Manchester Police Anti-Crime Unit was at 139 Parker St. to conduct a search in connection with an investigation of firearms possession and illegal drug sales. When leaving the building, officers encountered a large, "unruly" crowd consisting of both adults and juveniles, according to Manchester police.

While attempting to secure seized evidence in police vehicles, officers were angrily confronted and antagonized by the crowd, according to police.

The behavior escalated into an officer being physically assaulted by multiple individuals on scene, which led to several arrests. These include:

Elida Perez-Peco, 39, of Manchester, allegedly one of those who interfered, was charged with obstruction of government administration, felony riot, and simple assault.

Jorge Ortega, 18, of Manchester was charged with felonious use of a firearm, sale of a controlled drug, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, felony riot, and resisting arrest.

A 17-year-old was also arrested and charged with obstruction of government administration, felony riot, simple assault, and resisting arrest. The name was withheld.

Riot is a Class B felony when any person suffers a physical injury as a result of the conduct, or arson or substantial property damage occurs, or a defendant is armed with a deadly weapon or propels an object or substance at a uniformed law enforcement, according to New Hampshire law.