Raynham Police arrested three people on Saturday on multiple drug and weapons charges after responding to a reported shoplifting incident at Walmart.
According to Chief Constable James Donovan, officers were dispatched to the Raynham Walmart around 2.50pm on February 5 for a report of three active shoplifters. Officers arrived and attempted to arrest them, and said one of the suspected shoplifters – identified as John Butler, 36, of Brockton – had fled from police.
He was caught and detained after a brief struggle, during which police said they found a loaded 9mm handgun on him, along with a high-capacity magazine and 30 9mm rounds. They say he also had a small amount of suspected methamphetamine on him.
The other two suspected shoplifters – identified as John Patrick, 34, and Melissa Mendes, 42, both from Taunton – were arrested without incident. According to police, during the arrests they discovered several bags of suspected methamphetamines, several empty bags, weights and a combined total of approximately $620 in cash.
Butler is charged with possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number; possession of a loaded firearm; possession of a large capacity firearm without a licence; possession of a high-capacity power device; possession of ammunition without a permit; possession of a class B substance; resist arrest; and shoplifting.
Patrick and Mendes are charged with possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute and shoplifting.
The three suspects are expected to be arraigned in Taunton District Court on Monday.
