10 Face Felony Riot Charges After Nashua North Basketball Game Melee In February

NASHUA, NH — Nashua police have arrested 10 teenagers on riot charges accused of being involved in a melee at a basketball game in early February.

Officers were sent to Nashua High School North for a report of a disturbance on Feb. 7, following a basketball game between students at the school and Manchester Memorial High School. The melee involved students and players from both schools, Lt. Peter Urban from the special investigations division of the police department.

“A detail officer was present at the game, but as the incident quickly unfolded, the officer was overwhelmed by the number of students involved,” he said. “Additional officers responded to the school to disperse the crowd and ensure the safety of the students and staff.”

According to a Neighbor Post on Patch at the time, 18 police cruisers were seen at the school.

Urban said school resource officers investigated the incident and worked with school district staff and administration, which led to charges against the 10 students, “many from Nashua High School North,” Urban added.

Three — Anthony Michel, 19, Vincent Falcone, 18, and Eduardo Valdes, 18, all of Nashua, were each arrested on a felony riot charge. Urban said the three face up to seven years in prison as well as fines. Seven juveniles were also charged but no further information about their cases will be released.

“The juvenile cases will be handled in Nashua District Court and are not open to the public,” he said.

Michel was released on bail on March 6 while Falcone and Valdes were released on bail on March 7. All three are due in Hillsborough County Superior Court South for arraignment on April 6.

Urban said the department and SAU 42 had zero tolerance for violent or other dangerous behaviors on school grounds.

“Student safety is paramount during school hours or during after-school activities,” Urban stated. “Students that engage in this type of behavior will be held accountable for their actions.”

Anyone with information about the Feb. 7 incident were asked to contact the Crime Line at 603-589-1665.

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