PROVIDENCE — Jury selection continued yesterday in the trial of seven Narragansett Indians charged with resisting and fighting with state police during a 2003 raid of a tribal smoke shop.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers appeared to be nearing a complete jury in Providence County Superior Court, but Judge Susan E. McGuirl replaced several members of the 16-person panel late yesterday after they were challenged by lawyers in the case.

A bank branch manager, who told the court she was concerned by TV footage that showed apparent excessive force by state police and tribal members during the raid, was released — as was a Central Falls man who said he had many close friends on that city’s police force.

Lawyers are quizzing each prospective juror about issues ranging from their position on the Narragansett Indian tribe’s casino quest to whether they could accept defense arguments that state police troopers might lie under oath.

State police executed a search warrant on July 14, 2003, to stop the Narragansetts from selling tax-free cigarettes from the roadside store in Charlestown. The confrontation turned into a violent scuffling match. Seven adult tribal members, including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, are now on trial for misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, obstruction and assault.

Prospective jurors will continue to be questioned this morning.

kmulvane@projo.com