Two women accused of shoplifting, assaulting store employees at Massachusetts Market Basket

WEST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Timothy Nixon reports that the West Bridgewater Police Department arrested two women on assault and battery and shoplifting charges following a weekend incident at a supermarket.

On Sunday, at approximately 5:00 p.m., West Bridgewater Police responded to Market Basket at 352 West Center St. for a report of a disturbance. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting that two customers were fighting with store employees.

The investigation revealed that an employee had observed two women concealing high-priced items, including lobster meat, prime ribeye steaks and truffle butter, in a bag while shopping. The women did not pay for those items at checkout and were confronted by an employee.

The women, later identified as 37-year-old Olivia Byrd of Quincy and 28-year-old Rahjane J. Byrd of Hyde Park, were argumentative, screamed obscenities, and assaulted two store employees.

Both women were taken into custody without further incident and charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault and Battery, Shoplifting by Asportation, and Disorderly Conduct.

The women were arraigned in Brockton District Court on Monday and released on personal recognizance.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.