Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Preferred Pharmacy shortly after 1 p.m. Sept. 4. A white male entered the business and reportedly took narcotics, according to 911 reports.
He also claimed to have a gun; however, according to Bob Gault, media relations coordinator for the sheriff’s office, the suspect didn’t display a weapon but “kept his hand under his shirt.” The suspect was thought to have acted alone and left the area on foot.
Since then, investigators have determined the robber may have had an accomplice.
“Surveillance photos released today show the suspect at the counter of a nearby convenience store a short time before the robbery. Other photos outside the pharmacy show the vehicle he was in and his accomplice that acted as the getaway driver,” noted Gault in a media release Tuesday.
According Charleston Police Chief Hank Hayden, on the day of the robbery employees were in the process of closing the pharmacy when the robber entered and took an undisclosed amount of prescription narcotics.
Investigators learned Endocet and Oxycodone were placed in a small basket. According to Gault, pharmacy employees offered to transfer the drugs to a paper bag but, “... the suspect refused, apologized, and left with the basket and narcotics.”
Gault said the robber was described as being in his mid-20s and approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a red shirt, jeans and a bandana.
The other suspect was described as being slightly larger in build and wearing a dark T-shirt and black and white hat.
Bradley County Sheriff Jim Ruth and Criminal Investigations Division Capt. Brian Quinn have authorized a reward up to $100 for information leading to the arrests of the individuals involved.
“Anyone who believes they recognize either of these individuals is asked to contact the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office. You can use the Crime Tip Hotline. The number is 728-7336, and you don’t have to leave your name,” Gault said.
