Assault Complaint Leads to Drug Arrests

Merrimack Police checking a report of an assault ended up charging a Merrimack man and a Nashua-woman on drug related charges when they discovered marijuana in the vehicle during the investigation.

Police were called to Garnet Lane around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, for a report of an assault. They came across a car being operated by Michael Briand, 21, of 12 Garnet Lane, Merrimack, and learned that Briand had thrown  lighter t Jami Hall, 21, of 24 Forest St., Nashua.

While arresting Briand for simple assault, the officer noticed signs of drugs use by Briand and Hall, police say. While further investigating the officer allegedly found Hall to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and she was arrested for possession of marijuana.

A backpack found in the car that police say contained various bags of marijuana and related paraphernalia led to Briand being charged with possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute.

Both were processed and released on personal recognizance bail in the amount of $1,500 for Hall and $2,500 for Briand. Hall was ordered to appear in Merrimack's district court on June 12. Briand was ordered to appear in court Thursday, June 7.