Eight teens arrested after melees at two local parks

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Eight teens were arrested in Manchester, New Hampshire, on misdemeanor riot and resisting arrest charges after two fights involving dozens of people broke out at local parks.

Police first responded to a call shortly after 8 p.m. at Sheridan Emmit Park for reports of a large group of kids threatening a man and fighting.

As the officers arrived on scene, the teens fled the area on their bikes. A brief investigation showed the group had been acting disorderly and harassing the man, who was able to fend the group off.

The man said he isn't filing any criminal charges.

Not even an hour later, at around 8:52 p.m., police received multiple calls reporting a fight at 207 Pine Street. Callers said that a group of 20 to 30 teenagers were fighting and that weapons may have been involved.

Officers assigned to a plain clothes patrol observed a teenager being beaten with a stick by another group of teens. When the officers tried to intervene, the suspects immediately ran and biked away.

Police were able to run after one of the suspects and arrested a teenage boy in the area of Summer Street.

Several other units were called in to help detain the other suspects. Police found disorderly behavior and riot-like conditions.

Authorities received reports of teenagers throwing rocks at buildings and swinging scooters and sticks around like weapons at anyone who tried to intervene.

In total, police were able to arrest eight of the teens involved.

Officers reported many of the teens seemed to be filming themselves as officers ran after them, shouting "bike life" as the officers chased them down the street.

A total of eight teenagers were arrested on charges of misdemeanor riot and resisting arrest. They were later processed and released to their parents and guardians.

Police say this is not the first time they've dealt with this group of teens, and said the arrests made on Tuesday are yet another warning that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.

Residents in Manchester say they're being harassed by large groups of teenagers on bicycles.

"We are seeing more and more of our youth who are openly hostile towards other people that are just minding their business," said Manchester Fire Chief Nick Willard. “So there’s one group of really good kids that just go out and really enjoy riding bikes together and then there’s another group of kids that for some reason that like to take over traffic and if someone is upset with them they will then circle the person’s vehicle and taunt and threaten them.”

The group of teens usually frequents the area where the fights broke out.

Many say they are a part of a group called "Bike Life," which, according to cyclists, started as a positive movement.

“It’s to get kids on bikes and to get them out of trouble," said Alexander Ellison, a Manchester resident. "There’s definitely a group of people that ride together and they are not respectful and there are a group of riders that are probably with them that are respectful.”

Ellison says it's discouraging that some of these teens are turning to violence.

“If they are a legitimate group of kids who come together for the love of riding bikes and doing tricks on bikes then that’s great we can accept that but we can’t accept is kids who are going to deliberately intimidate and harass everyday citizens that are going about their lives," said Fire Chief Willard.

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