Three face drug and weapons charges after being caught shoplifting in Raynham

RAYNHAM, Mass. (WLNE)- Three people were arrested in Raynham on Saturday, after they were caught shoplifting from a local Walmart, according to Raynham Police Chief James Donovan.

Police responded to the Walmart on Paramount Drive at around 2:50 p.m. after getting reports about three active shoplifters.

Investigators arrested 36-year-old John Butler, 34-year-old John Patrick, and 42-year-old Melissa Mendes at the scene.

Butler tried run away from officers at the scene, but was put under arrest after a brief struggle. Investigators found a pistol and a small amount of methamphetamines on Butler during the arrest.

Police were able to arrest both Patrick and Mendes without any incident, but found more methamphetamines on them, as well as about $620 in cash.

Butler is being charged with the following:

• 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
• Shoplifting

Patrick is being charged with the following:

• Possession of a Class B substance (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute
• Shoplifting

Mendes is being charged with the following:

• Possession of a Class B substance (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute
• Shoplifting

The three are all expected to be arraigned in Taunton District Court on Monday.