Samuel Mills
WAREHAM – From Wareham Police: On Sunday, October 7, at about 12:00 p.m. Wareham Police were requested to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter in the store being watched by loss prevention personnel. Officer Nate Aronson arrived on location and the suspect was pointed out to him. Officer Aronson confronted the subject in the hardware section and he was initially cooperative. After being advised he was being placed under arrest, the suspect assaulted Officer Aronson and began running toward the front of the store. Officer Aronson gave chase, however collided with a store display, but continued the foot pursuit, heading for the front entrance. The incident was causing a significant disruption to the business and many shoppers appeared shocked and alarmed by the suspect’s aggressive behavior. Officer Aronson radioed for assistance, and the suspect proceeded on foot toward the area of JC Penny, where he was observed taking off his shirt. Officer Aronson drove to the area, and loudly ordered the suspect to the ground several times, however he refused. Instead, the suspect took a fighting stance by blading his body and balling his fists. Officer Aronson deployed his Taser, which did not make contact with the suspect, however the suspect now submitted to the arrest. Officer George Chandler arrived and assisted with placing the male in handcuffs. The suspect was transported to police headquarters where he lied about his identity. After investigation, officers were able to identify the male as Samuel Mills, 35, of 37 Sidewinder Road, East Falmouth. Officer Aronson was treated and released from Tobey Hospital for minor injuries incurred during the incident. Mills is being held at Wareham Police headquarters on $1,000 cash bail pending a court appearance on Tuesday morning at Wareham District Court. He is charged as follows;
• Disorderly conduct,
• Disturbing the peace,
• Assault and battery on a police officer
• Resisting arrest
• Shoplifting over $250.00
• Arrestee furnishing a false name
Acting Police Chief John Walcek said, “The suspect, when confronted, assaulted a police officer, fled, and when finally cornered appeared to be ready to fight again. This incident viewed by many shoppers on a Sunday afternoon is completely unacceptable. The officers of this department will continue to aggressively and relentlessly pursue criminals who not only want to steal from a business in our community, but are willing to fight with us when confronted. Officer Aronson did a great job in apprehending the suspect and we are appreciative of citizens who helped point out where the male ran after fleeing the store.”
