Raynham Police Arrest Three on Drug, Gun and Shoplifting Charges

Raynham Police arrested three people Saturday on multiple drugs and weapons charges after responding to a reported shoplifting incident at Walmart.

According to Police Chief James Donovan, officers were dispatched to the Raynham Walmart at around 2:50 p.m. on February 5 for a report of three active shoplifters. Officers arrived and attempted to arrest them, and say that one of the alleged shoplifters – identified as John Butler, 36, of Brockton – ran from police.

He was caught and detained after a brief struggle, during which time police say they found a loaded 9mm defaced handgun on him, along with an extended high capacity magazine and 30 9mm rounds. They say he had a small amount of suspected methamphetamine on him as well.

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The two other alleged shoplifters – identified as John Patrick, 34, and Melissa Mendes, 42, both of Taunton – were arrested without incident. Police say during the arrests, they discovered multiple baggies of suspected methamphetamines, multiple empty baggies, weights, and a combined total of approximately $620 in cash on them.

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 license; possession of a large capacity feeding device; possession of ammunition without a license; possession of a Class B substance; resisting arrest; and shoplifting.

Both 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.