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One of the photos released by the Keene Police Department in their effort to engage the public's help in identifying riotersNHPR's coverage of the October 2014 riots in Keene, N.H. during the city's annual Pumpkin Festival.

After 84 Arrests, Keene Police Ask For Help Tracking Down Riot's 'Heavy Hitters'

NHPR / Michael Brindley

There have already been 84 arrests made in connection with the riots in Keene over the weekend, as police continue to scour video and photos on social media for additional culprits.

At a press conference in Keene City Hall, Police Chief Ken Meola said there’s been trouble at Pumpkin Festival in the past, but nothing like what the city saw this weekend.

“These were gatherings that occurred on public property, disrupting traffic, disrupting people’s lives, disrupting the quality of life, putting people in potential for some serious harm.”

Meola says the problems started in the afternoon with two large parties, each with more than 1,000 people, and escalated from there.

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the "heavy hitters:" people who tipped cars, damaged public property, and caused injuries by throwing objects.

As for the fate of the festival itself, Mayor Kendall Lane says that’s up in the air.

“It is far too early to determine what the future of the Pumpkin Fest is going to be. That is going to be the responsibility of the organizers and the Keene City Council.”

Keene State President Anne Huot says the college is also investigating, and says students involved will go through an expedited disciplinary process that could lead to expulsion.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.
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