Marijuana Bust: Nashua Man Arrested, School Locked Down, 2 Escape, $30K Bail

HUDSON, NH – A Nashua man was arrested, two others escaped and a local elementary school was placed on lockdown Monday afternoon during a marijuana bust in Hudson, according to police. Nigel Almonte, 24, was charged with dealing marijuana in a school zone and two counts of resisting arrest. The incident happened at about 12:40 p.m. at the Burns Hill Apartments on Burns Hill Road. The neighboring Nottingham West Elementary School was placed on lockdown during the incident.

Hudson police Lieutenant David Bianchi said police were called to an apartment unit for a noise complaint.

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"Upon arrival officers attempted to make contact with the residents who opened the door initially," Bianchi said in a statement. "Upon seeing it was police officers the people in the apartment slammed the door and began barricading it. Officers outside the door were able to see evidence of drug activity in plain view."

Bianchi continued, "The suspects fled out the rear window of the apartment. Officers engaged in a short foot pursuit where one individual was captured. The other individuals (at least two more) were able to make their escape. The other individuals will face charges when they are positively identified."

During the search for the other suspects, the nearby Nottingham West Elementary School was placed on lockdown as a precaution.

A "large quantity of marijuana" was recovered at the scene, Bianchi said. Almonte was held on $30,000 bail pending an arraignment in Nashua District Court Tuesday.

New Hampshire lawmakers last week voted to decriminalize possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce of marijuana. Governor Chris Sununu said he will sign the bill, calling it "common sense." It's unclear when the law would go into effect. For now, the current marijuana laws remain on the books.

Related:

NH Governor Sununu Says He Will Sign Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

Photo: Nigel Almonte. (Credit: Hudson Police Department)