Four individuals face multiple charges, including rioting, after an altercation on Main Street in Greenville in April.
The Temple-Greenville Police arrested Jennifer Overka, 40, of Greenville, on charges of felony riot and disorderly conduct, Eric Overka, 21, of Greenville, on charges of riot, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, Zachary Overka, 20, of Greenville on charges of riot, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, and Ernest Sullivan, 21, of Marlborough, on charges of felony riot and disorderly conduct.
Under New Hampshire law, a person is guilty of rioting if they engage in “violent or tumultuous conduct simultaneously with two or more other people, create a substantial risk of public alarm, assemble with others to commit sudden violence, or refuse to obey a lawful police order to disperse.”
A fifth person was identified as being present at the incident, but did not appear to engage in violence or threatening behavior, based on video evidence, and has not been charged, police said.
The inciting incident occurred on April 10, at about 4:48 p.m., according to an affidavit filed with the 8th Circuit Court in Jaffrey.
A Greenville resident reported to Sgt. CJ Rousseau of the Temple-Greenville Police Department that while travelling on Route 31 earlier that day, he was followed by Eric Overka, who was driving a motorcycle. Eric Overka allegedly passed the man’s car, almost hitting it, and then brake-checked the car several times once he was in front.
Later that same day, at approximately 10:25 p.m., while on patrol, Temple-Greenville officer Donald Valente was dispatched in response to a report of vandalism. Upon arrival, Valente spoke with the complainant, who was the same man who had issued a complaint against Eric Overka earlier that day.
According to the man, as he and his girlfriend were attempting to leave their apartment in their vehicle, they were confronted by five people in the parking lot of the Greenville Laundromat. The individuals, all known to the man, allegedly surrounded his car, yelling and attempting to open his locked door, and then kicking and hitting his car.
Police were able to obtain and review security footage from the Greenville Laundromat that showed the confrontation. The footage showed the group entering the laundromat parking lot from the other side of Main Street, with the apparent intention of confronting the alleged victim, knowing he would have to exit his apartment parking lot through the laundromat parking lot, according to the affidavit.
The incident was allegedly in retaliation for the earlier incident on Route 31 with Eric Overka, as the video shows Eric Overka referencing Route 31, and Jennifer Overka yelling, “You wanna chase my kid down 31?” according to the affidavit.
The video shows Sullivan approaching the vehicle first, yelling and using profanity, before hitting the driver’s window, while yelling for the victim to get out of the vehicle, according to court records. Eric Overka is allegedly heard yelling at the victim, calling him names and also telling him to get out of the car.
The victim’s attempt to leave was blocked by Jennifer Overka, who stood directly in front of his car and ignored the beeping of his horn while she pointed and yelled at him.
Eric Overka and Zachary Overka allegedly continued to yell at the victim and kicked and hit his car, causing approximately $5,500 in body damage to the vehicle. The victim was eventually able to maneuver his car around Jennifer Overka to exit the parking lot. The group briefly followed but then stopped, according to the affidavit.
Based on witness statements and video evidence, warrants were issued for Eric Overka, Zachary Overka, Jennifer Overka and Ernest Sullivan. Sullivan was arrested on July 17, Zachary Overka on July 10, and Eric Overka and Jennifer Overka on July 8. Each was processed and released on personal recognizance.
Each has been assigned an Aug. 19 court date at the 8th Circuit Court in Jaffrey.