MERRIMACK — Responding to a theft in progress at the Merrimack Premium Outlets, Merrimack Police apprehended two women from Massachusetts on Aug. 10 after a brief search and a confrontation that led to an officer being assaulted and pepper-sprayed.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Polo Outlet following a theft report.
The suspects were quickly located at the American Eagle Outlet, in possession of merchandise from both stores.
Upon contact, one suspect, identified as Maryah Williams of Boston, began to empty her shopping bags in an apparent attempt to hide the stolen goods.
When officers attempted to detain the suspects, Williams resisted and kicked an officer in the stomach.
She then managed to spray the officer with pepper spray, which also affected other officers and customers.
Lasonia Watler of Brockton also resisted arrest, attempting to use pepper spray but was prevented from discharging it.
Despite continuous resistance and using offensive language, both Williams and Watler were eventually taken into custody.
They were transported to the Merrimack Police Department for processing and are being held on Preventative Detention.
Williams faces felony charges including Receiving Stolen Property, Attempted Second Degree Assault, and Falsifying Physical Evidence, in addition to misdemeanor charges.
Watler is charged with the Felony offense of Receiving Stolen Property and misdemeanor offenses.
Both suspects are scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Merrimack District Court on Aug. 12 to respond to the charges.
The affected officers received treatment from Merrimack Fire and EMS, and other patrons exposed to pepper spray declined medical treatment.
