Halifax Man Faces Multiple Charges After Hanson Crash Uncovers Hidden, Untraceable Firearms

HANSON MASS — A routine motor vehicle crash investigation on South Street in neighboring Hanson took a startling turn last week, resulting in the arrest of a Halifax man and the seizure of multiple unlicensed firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number.

According to the Hanson Police Department, officers responded to South Street on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at approximately 12:22 p.m. following reports of a crash. Upon arrival, emergency crews found a black Ford Explorer resting in the middle of the roadway after striking a telephone pole. The occupants had managed to exit the vehicle and sustained only minor injuries.

However, officers quickly grew suspicious during the preliminary investigation due to inconsistent statements from the occupants. While still at the scene, Officer Luke Whalen spotted ammunition and firearm parts sitting openly in the vehicle’s cupholder.

Authorities confirmed that neither the vehicle’s registered owner—identified as 36-year-old Michael Mazzarella of Halifax—nor his passenger possessed an active Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification Card (FID).

The Ford Explorer was subsequently towed to Hanson Police Headquarters, where detectives and officers secured a search warrant. A thorough search of the vehicle by Detective Michael Maliff, Officer Luke Whalen, and evidence specialist Officer Noah Regalado yielded three hidden firearms, one of which featured an obliterated, untraceable serial number, alongside a cache of additional ammunition.

Mazzarella was taken into custody and is facing a total of nine serious charges:

• Carrying a Firearm Without an LTC/FID Card (3 counts)
• Receiving/Possession of an Untraceable Firearm
• Improper Storage of a Firearm (4 counts)
• Possession of Ammunition Without an LTC/FID Card
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Marked Lanes Violation

Hanson police credited the swift arrest to the attentiveness of responding officers, emphasizing the importance of thorough field investigations in keeping illegal weapons off South Shore roadways.