Hanover: Police capture suspects in lighter-fluid attack on Tedeschi’s store clerk

Photo courtesy of Hanover Police

Two homeless men have been arrested for their roles in the robbery of a Tedeschi’s convenience store in Hanover last month–in which the suspect squirted the clerk with lighter fluid, took out a book of matches and threatened to light her on fire if she didn’t hand over money.

According to Police Lt. Bob Heywood, 18-year-old James Desjardin was arrested late last week, and 27-year-old Kenneth Gosselin was arrested in Dorchester on Monday night, and held then overnight at the Plymouth County House of Correction. Both men are homeless and had been staying at the Father Bill’s Homeless Shelter in Quincy.

Lt. Heywood said Desjardin has admitted to his role in dousing the clerk with lighter fluid back on March 9th at the Hanover Street store.  Gosselin is accused as acting asDesjardin’s driver. 

According to Lt. Heywood, detectives got a tip last week from the probation department at Hingham District Court, after someone reported hearing Desjardin talking about his involvement in the robbery. Detectives then learned that a person fitting the description of the suspect was staying at Father Bill’s.

Heywood says Gosselin was arraigned Tuesday morning in Hingham District Court. Desjardin has been in custody since he was arrested on the 31st, and was ordered held after a detention hearing on Tuesday.

Both Desjardin and Gosselin are facing charges of armed robbery and conspiracy.