A small community is in shock after its police chief abruptly resigned following the improper detention of a respected local business owner — an incident officials are calling a “major error in judgment.”
The situation unfolded last Thursday when officers were dispatched to investigate a report of “suspicious behavior” behind a hardware store shortly after closing time. Upon arrival, they encountered a man loading tools into a truck. Although he calmly explained that he was the owner, Evan Mercer, officers assumed he was attempting a break-in and detained him.
Body-cam video later showed that Chief Robert Hanley arrived on scene shortly afterward and approved the detention — even after Mercer showed identification and used his keys to unlock the building.
“I gave them my name, my ID, even showed them proof the business was mine,” Mercer said. “But they still treated me like a criminal at my own store.”
Mercer remained handcuffed for nearly 40 minutes before an employee arrived and confirmed his identity.
Community outrage grew quickly.
Residents contacted officials demanding accountability, and the town council called for an explanation. An internal inquiry determined that Chief Hanley disregarded basic verification protocols and unnecessarily escalated the encounter.
Facing intense criticism, Hanley handed in his resignation Monday morning.
Mayor Lisa Hunt described the decision as “essential for restoring confidence.”
“This incident represents a clear breakdown in leadership,” she said. “No one should be detained while doing their job — especially at their own business.”
Mercer hopes the outcome leads to meaningful improvement rather than bitterness.
“I’m not looking for revenge,” he said. “I just want this to be a learning moment so no one else has to deal with something like this.”
The police department has since announced mandatory retraining focused on proper detainment standards and identity confirmation.
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