Robber Strikes Albertsons Pharmacy

SPOKANE — Not too long ago, pharmacy robberies were a regular occurrence in Spokane as thieves took to desperate measures to get their hands on powerful pain killers.

Reports of pharmacy robberies had been dormant, until Sunday.

Just after 10:00 Sunday morning, Spokane Police responded to a report of a robbery at the pharmacy inside Albertsons at 37th and Grand on Spokane’s South Hill. 

The pharmacy clerk said a man, 50 to 60 years of age, wearing a gray sweatshirt, a light ball cap and a purple scarf approached the counter, displayed a handgun and demanded OxyContin.

Police say the man stashed some pills in two grocery bags, they’re unsure how many pills and painkillers he got away with.

“These people that are doing these robberies are severe addicts,” said Officer Tim Moses with the Spokane Police Department. “They dont want to hurt anybody all they want is their next fix.”

Police say several witness saw the man inside the store waiting for the pharmacy to open.

Surveillance video captured the crime. Police were able to capture a few video frames in which the man had the scarf down, exposing his face. 

The clerk told police that she believes the man had robbed this particular pharmacy before. Police say she did the right thing by handing over the drugs.

“Don’t confront these people, give them what they want and get them out, we’ll take care of the rest of it,” said Moses.

Police are asking anyone with information about the robbery to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.