Ashland Teen Accused Of Encouraging Rioting In New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester police, tracking social media posts for potential threats of violence against the city in the wake of the George Floyd death in Minnesota by a police officer, an incident that has inspired both peaceful protests as well as rioting and chaos across the country, has arrested a teen on a criminal threatening charge.

Daniel Zeron, 19, of Ashland was arrested Tuesday on the single charge after a three-day, joint investigation by Manchester and New Hampshire State Police into social media posts referencing calls for criminal behavior and acts of violence in the Queen City, according to Heather Hamel, the public information officer for the Manchester Police Department.

The case began on May 30 when police were made aware of a Facebook post inviting people to "protest racism and police brutality" while encouraging attendees to tip police cars, tag graffiti, and "take examples from riots in other cities," police said.

"Through investigative techniques, Manchester police were able to determine the post had originated from a home in Ashland," Hamel said. "Through their investigation, police determined that Zeron was the author of the post. The post has since been taken down however Manchester police continue to closely monitor social media."

Zeron was arrested and held on preventative detention. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Manchester Circuit Court Tuesday.

Carlo Capano, the chief of the Manchester Police Department, said the department would work with prosecutors to ensure that Zeron is "held accountable for his actions" while pushing for the strongest penalties allowed.

"We cannot and will not tolerate any suggested riots or acts of violence against our community," he said. "The men and women of the Manchester Police Department work tirelessly to keep our community safe and the actions of Daniel Zeron undermine our efforts and leave our citizens in a state of uneasiness."

Hamel said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Ashland police also assisted with the investigation.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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