Police arrest two from Taunton, one from Brockton on drug and shoplifting charges at Walmart

Chief James Donovan reports that the Raynham Police Department arrested three individuals earlier today on multiple drugs and weapons charges after a report of shoplifting at a business in town.

At approximately 2:50 p.m. Saturday, Raynham Police were dispatched to Walmart on Paramount Drive for the report of three active shoplifters. Once on scene police located the shoplifters and officers attempted to arrest them.

One male shoplifter, later identified as 36-year-old John Butler of Brockton, attempted to flee on foot from officers. After a brief struggle he was placed in handcuffs and arrested. During the arrest police located a loaded 9 mm defaced handgun with an extended high-capacity magazine and 30 9mm rounds on Butler. Officers also located a small amount of a Class B substance believed to be methamphetamines on his person.

The other two shoplifters, later identified as 34-year-old John Patrick and 42-year-old Melissa Mendes, both of Taunton, were placed under arrest without incident. During the arrest police located multiple baggies of a Class B substance believed to be methamphetamines, multiple empty baggies, weights, and a combined total of approximately $620 in cash on them.

Butler was arrested and 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 (methamphetamines), Resisting arrest, and Shoplifting.

Patrick was arrested and charged with Possession of a Class B substance (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute and Shoplifting.

Mendes was arrested and charged with: Possession of a Class B substance (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute and Shoplifting.

Butler, Patrick and Mendes are expected to be arraigned in Taunton District Court on Monday.