Hanover Police Department Incident Report 8/6/24

On Monday evening, August 5, 2024, the 4-12 shift responded to a reported shoplifting call at a major retail store in Hanover. An employee reportedly observed two women, known shoplifters from prior incidents, enter the store and conceal numerous items prior to exiting the store without paying. The woman entered a vehicle and attempted to leave the property when Officer Damron Yancey located the vehicle initiating a motor vehicle stop to investigate further.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Yancey engaged the operator in conversation and observed a firearm on the floorboard of the driver's side. Officer Yancy wisely alerted officers and issued verbal commands to the operator, including ordering her not to reach for the firearm and to exit the vehicle. The operator failed to comply with officer commands, at which time Officer Yancey and Detective Steve Moar safely removed her from the vehicle while she continued to resist. At that time, Sgt. Matthew Gerrish and Officer Shaun Doyle were able to remove the passenger of the vehicle and safely secure the firearm. Further investigation revealed that the firearm was unregistered and loaded with a round chambered. The stolen merchandise was located in the vehicle and returned to the retail store.

The operator, identified as Ashleigh Fouls of Quincy, was placed under arrest and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Conspiracy, Resisting Arrest and Shoplifting. She was arraigned at Hingham District Court and is currently being held on $15,000.00 bail.

The passenger, Mizika-Slay Mizhari was also placed under arrest for Shoplifting and Conspiracy. She was arraigned at Hingham District Court and released on personal recognizance.

This incident highlights the importance of officer diligence, awareness, and professionalism. While officers on scene were presented with a potential lethal threat, they worked as a team, leaning on their training and experience to take immediate, appropriate action, ensuring the safety of the parties involved, themselves, and multiple innocent bystanders close to the scene. Their performance cannot be understated and serves as a valuable example of the solid police work these officers carry out on a daily basis. Well done 4-12 shift!