Tilton police investigating report of fruity fracas at Market Basket

TILTON — Police are confirming social media reports of an apparent assault that occurred at the Market Basket supermarket on Thursday.

Several social media users, including one called “NH Fire Alarm” which specializes in posting calls for emergency services, reported an assault that took place in the store, in which a watermelon was weaponized.

Sgt. Andrew Salmon with the Tilton Police Department confirmed on Friday his department is investigating such a report. He said dispatch was alerted to the incident shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday.

“Officers from the Tilton Police Department were dispatched to an alleged assault at Market Basket in Tilton that involved a produce item.” He said one person was taken to a nearby hospital for injuries that were not considered life-threatening. He said the injuries allegedly stemmed “from being struck by a produce item.”

As of Friday afternoon, no charges had been brought, but Salmon said the incident remains under investigation.

Salmon declined to provide further details.

“I do not know when our criminal investigation will be complete and to ensure the integrity of the criminal investigation the Tilton Police Department will not be releasing further details,” Salmon said.

A person who answered the phone at the Tilton Market Basket was similarly reticent.

“We have been instructed to not say anything,” the person said.