Keene NH Police Seek Pumpkin Festival Rioters

Law enforcement officials in Keene, NH, have released a number of photos to the public and are asking for help identifying individuals who were allegedly involved numerous rioting incidents near the Keene Pumpkin Festival and off the campus of Keene State College that took place on Oct. 18.

VIEW THIS: A slideshow of the alleged Keene rioters

The rioting started at around 1 p.m. in neighborhoods about a few blocks from the festival and the college. Police attempted to disperse about thousands of individuals in two different locations in order to gain access to people who were reportedly injured at the gatherings.

During the next eight hours, according to police, officers attempted to clear the areas but over time, the crowds grew larger and other agencies were brought in to assist. More than 80 arrests were made during the course of the rioting.

Another 50,000 people, according to police, were attending the pumpkin festival, and the main objective of officials was to keep the rioters away from the family event.

Detectives have spent, according to reports, countless hours combing through social media networks and websites looking for clips of potential suspects who can be charged in the incidents.

“Numerous individuals sustained injuries requiring medical treatment, private and public property was damaged and as a result the following photos and screen captures from video clips were assembled which show subjects the Keene Police Department is attempting to identify,” according to Lt. Steven M. Stewart of the bureau of patrol. “These subjects can be seen engaging in criminal acts, if identified, will be arrested and charged accordingly.”

According to officials, a number of individuals have already been identified and information is being shared with colleges throughout New England in an effort to identify the suspects.

Information on those pictured can be made directly to Keene Det. Joel Chidester or Det. Michael O’Donnell at 603-357-9820 or via email at jchidester@ci.keene.nh.us and modonnell@ci.keene.nh.us or by submitting information to the Keene Police Department via the department’s crimeline site at Anonymous Crime Tip.

To watch a video of the Oct. 20, press conference, click on this link.

A public forum will be held in December to decide whether or not the pumpkin festival will continue into the future.