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Hampton Beach Heatwave Sparks Chaos: 50 Arrests Made
20 May
Summary
- Record 94-degree heat drew massive crowds to Hampton Beach.
- Sudden downpour triggered multiple fights, leading to unlawful assembly declaration.
- Police made 50 arrests, including 13 for riot and 18 for alcohol violations.
On Tuesday, May 19, Hampton Beach experienced a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures soaring to 94 degrees, drawing an estimated 75,000 visitors. This massive influx of beachgoers, fueled by social media events and school skip days, created a challenging environment for law enforcement. Police were present in large numbers, anticipating potential issues from advertised "Hampton Beach Takeover" events known to devolve into unsafe behavior.
A sudden downpour around 4 p.m. sent crowds scrambling for shelter, which quickly escalated into widespread physical altercations. Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno declared an unlawful assembly and temporarily closed Ocean Boulevard to disperse the crowd. Order was restored within an hour, but another gathering later in the evening required police intervention.
In total, police responded to 127 calls and made 50 arrests. Charges included riot, unlawful possession of alcohol, driving under the influence, and assault. Despite the significant police response and arrests, no serious injuries were reported. Authorities emphasized a commitment to public safety, vowing to address and prosecute unlawful behavior while welcoming visitors who respect the community.
