A Wareham Police officer chased a shoplifting suspect in Walmart on Sunday in an incident that ended with the officer being treated at Tobey Hospital, police say.

Samuel Mills, 35, of East Falmouth, is being held on $1,000 cash bail charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, shoplifting over $250 and furnishing a false name.

The incident began around noon when Walmart employees reported a shoplifter in the store’s hardware section.

Officer Nate Aronson responded and told Mills, who was uncooperative, that he was under arrest, police said. Mills then allegedly ran. Aronson chased Mills and collided with a store display, but kept pursuing the suspect.

Police said the scene became chaotic as shoppers were alarmed with Mills’ aggressive behavior and refusal to cooperate. Aronson had ordered Mills to the ground three times when the suspect confronted the officer in a fighting stance. 

Aronson attempted to subdue Mills with a Taser, but missed.

Officer George Chandler then arrived and Mills was arrested. Aronson was treated and released from Tobey Hospital with minor injuries.

Acting Police Chief John Walcek praised officers for their actions.

“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,” said Walcek.