HANSON — On Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at approximately 12:22 p.m., Hanson police responded to South Street following a report of a motor vehicle crash.
According to the Hanson Police Department, when police arrived on scene, they found a black Ford Explorer that had crashed into a telephone pole before coming to a rest in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle’s occupants were also outside the Explorer and had sustained minor injuries.
During the preliminary investigation, the Hanson Police Department reported that police quickly realized that the occupants’ accounts of what transpired were inconsistent. While still at the scene, Officer Luke Whalen located ammunition and firearm parts in the vehicle’s cupholder.
The Hanson Police Department said neither the vehicle’s registered owner, Michael Mazzarella, nor the passenger possessed an active Massachusetts License to Carry or Firearms Identification Card (FID).
The vehicle was then towed to Hanson Police Headquarters, where police obtained and executed a search warrant. Detective Michael Maliff and Officers Luke Whalen and Noah Regalado, who specializes in crime-scene processing and evidence collection, conducted the search.
During the search, the officers located three firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number, as well as additional ammunition.
Michael Mazzarella, 36, of Halifax, was arrested and charged with the following violations/offenses:
- Carrying a Firearm Without an LTC/FID Card (three counts)
- Receiving/Possession of an Untraceable Firearm
- Improper Storage of a Firearm (four counts)
- Possession of Ammunition Without an LTC/FID Card
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Marked Lanes Violation
The Hanson Police Department said the investigation demonstrates the importance of officers paying attention to details and following an investigation wherever it leads.
