Four Arrested: Hookah Lounge Catfight Goes Awry

MANCHESTER, NH — An early morning spat between two women at a local bar poured out into a Manchester street this morning outside of the Fire and Ice Hookah Lounge on Elm Street, leading to the arrest of four on various charges. Arrested on March 13, 2017, were, Magdalena Oquendo Marquez, 40, pictured upper left, of Lowell, MA, for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest or detention and simple assault on a police officer; Miguel Fernandez, 31, pictured upper right, of Lawrence, MA, for simple assault on a police officer, hindering apprehension, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest or detention; Jorman Perez Oquendo, pictured lower left, 23 of Lowell, MA, for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest or detention; and Alyssia Savage, 19, pictured lower right, of Nashua, for disorderly conduct.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

An officer on patrol on Elm Street at around 1:30 a.m. reportedly saw security personnel at the Fire and Ice Hookah Lounge escorting a woman from the business – with another woman following behind. The pair talked while walking toward a vehicle when the officer approached. The women, according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department, then began arguing, so the officer advised them to vacate the area.

“A group of six to eight patrons abruptly exited the lounge and headed toward the two females he had previously spoken with,” O’Keefe alleged. “A female who exited the bar began assaulting one of the unknown females.”

The officer attempted to breakup the fight while the crowd surrounding him and during the course of the incident, Marquez allegedly struck the officer in the face as he grabbed her, with the crowd pushing them away from the scene. This reportedly caused Marquez and the officer to fall to the ground. The officer got up and picked up the woman, but she allegedly attempted to pull away from the officer while another man – later identified as Fernandez – reportedly interfered with the arrest.

“(Fernandez) continued grabbing hold of her arm to pull her away from the officer,” O’Keefe alleged. “(The officer) took hold of the man’s arm and advised him that he too was under arrest. The man pulled away (and) then ‘squared up’ with the officer, so the officer took him to the ground and attempted to handcuff him.”

Fernandez allegedly was noncompliant, “tucking his hands underneath his body,” but another officer Tased him and was able to get him cuffed. Meanwhile, Marquez reportedly fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later on Mechanic Street.

Other officers attempted to clear the area – at this point, about 10 people were involved – when one, Oquendo, allegedly refused to leave the area. O’Keefe alleged that he was given “several warnings” that he would be arrested if he didn’t leave. After allegedly not complying, he was “transitioned to the ground” where he “remained noncompliant” but was eventually brought under control.

During the incident, a fourth person – Savage – was also charged for allegedly yelling profanities at officers during the incident.