MANCHESTER, NH –A police officer was assaulted after attempting trying to break up a fight at USA Chicken on Elm Street at 2 a.m.
Officer Chad Tennis was working an extra detail at the fast food restaurant, 990 Elm St., on Aug. 29 when a fight broke out inside the restaurant. Officer Tennis called in the altercation as he was breaking up the fight. Officer Robert Megowen arrived to the restaurant and began dealing with a “rambunctious individual” identified as Christian Edward, 23, of Manchester.
Edwards was fighting with others inside the restaurant when Officer Tennis broke up the scuffle. Prior to identifying the other parties involved, Officer Tennis attempted to remove Edwards from the eatery, who appeared to be the agitator in the event, along with a woman patron, identified as Finesse Ayala, 22.
Police described both Edwards and Ayala as being “non-compliant” during the incident.
Edwards refused to leave the establishment, so Officer Megowen got involved and escorted him outside “to quell the incident” while Officer Tennis continued to deal inside with Ayala.
Edwards allegedly refused to comply and attempted to walk away from Officer Megowen, placing his hand inside of his right pocket. Officer Megowen grabbed his arm as he locked it deep into his pocket in an attempt to remove an unknown item. Fearing for his safety, Officer Megowen attempted to deploy his Taser, which caused him to let go of Edwards. This afforded Edwards an opportunity to push Megowen and spin away from him.
However, Officers Megowen and Tennis managed to grab hold of Edwards’ left arm and get him to the ground to place him under arrest. Edwards threw an unknown object on the ground at that time.
Meanwhile, Ayala allegedly jumped on Officer Megowen as the two officers struggled with Edwards. Edwards and Ayala, who told police they are siblings, were arrested and charged accordingly. The officers located two small baggies, one containing five Oxycodone pills and the other containing a small amount of crack cocaine where the arrest had taken place. Both items were seized and placed into evidence.
Edwards was charged with falsifying physical evidence; possession of a controlled drug; and resisting arrest. He was released on $2,000 cash/surety and is scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on October 1, 2015.
Ayala was charged with resisting arrest and simple assault. She will also appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on October 1,2015 after being released on $1,000 personal recognizance.
You’re one click away! Sign up for our free eNewsletter and never miss another thing.
