Salem Police: Walmart Shoplifter Had Loaded Gun, Drugs, Knives

A local man accused of shoplifting at the Salem Walmart Sunday night was reportedly found to be in possession of five knives, a loaded handgun, bullets, pills and marijuana packaged for distribution.

John P. Martin, 27, of 6 Foster Court, Salem, was arrested on charges of carrying a loaded firearm, possessing a firearm without an FID card, unlawful possession of ammunition, possessing a large knife, receiving stolen property (firearm), shoplifting by concealing merchandise, possessing a class D substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute, possessing a class D substance (marijuana) and possessing a class E substance with intent to distribute.

At 7:36 p.m. Sunday, local police officers responded to a reported shoplifting attempt at the Highland Avenue superstore. Martin was reportedly caught stealing five hunting knives from a display case.

When officers searched Martin, they reportedly found that he was concealing the stolen knives, a loaded Colt handgun, pills and marijuana individually-packaged for distribution, Lt. Mary Butler said Monday evening.

The knives allegedly found on Martin varied in size and included both folding knives and those with fixed blades, she said.

Salem Patch will post additional information as it becomes available.

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