Up to $10,000 Reward Offered for Information Leading to Arrest of Suspect(s) Involved In Local Pharmacy Robberies

Up to $10,000 Reward Offered for Information Leading to Arrest of Suspect(s) Involved In Local Pharmacy Robberies

PHOENIX, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Silent Witness is offering a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for a series of pharmacy robberies around the Phoenix area.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060530/NYTU093-ahttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060530/NYTU093-bhttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060530/NYTU093-c )

The police departments in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and other municipalities are investigating more than 49 pharmacy robberies that have occurred at various drug stores and pharmacies in the greater Phoenix, AZ, area over the past 11 months. Police investigators believe it is likely that these robberies are being committed by the same individual(s). Silent Witness is asking for the public's help by offering a $10,000 cash reward for any information that will help local law enforcement solve these crimes. The cash reward is donated by pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma L.P., the distributor of OxyContin(R) (oxycodone HCl controlled-release) Tablets.

"The Arizona Pharmacy Alliance (AzPA) endorses the efforts of local law enforcement to help catch the individuals responsible for the recent thefts of OxyContin from pharmacies," stated Arizona Pharmacy Alliance President Dr. John Musil. "The AzPA encourages all pharmacists and other pharmacy staff to report suspicious persons to the appropriate authorities. A combined effort between pharmacy and law enforcement will ensure that the health and safety of all people will not be compromised by having pharmaceuticals available to people from whom the medications may not be appropriate. We look forward to the swift apprehension of the individuals involved in endangering the lives of so many people; the senseless act of robbery needs to stop."

"It's important for people to know that all information that we get is kept completely confidential. Callers never have to give their names or appear in court. The Silent Witness tip line does not use any tape recording or caller ID devices," said Sergeant Paul Penzone.

Anyone with information about any of the robberies below is asked to call Silent Witness at 1-800-343-TIPS. (1-800-343-8477).

Below are the most recent robberies:

May 13th, 2006, Walgreens, 83 E Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ (9:35pm)

An unknown suspect entered the store and proceeded to the pharmacy. He gave an employee a note demanding all OxyContin. The suspect indicated he was armed but no gun was shown. After receiving the medication, the suspect fled the store through the front entrance.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, in his 30's, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall with a stocky build. At the time of the incident he was wearing a piece of black trash bag over his nose and mouth and a New York Yankees hat.

This suspect is believed to have been lingering inside the Walgreens located at 1919 North Dobson Road in Chandler, AZ with intent to commit a robbery before being spooked away by employees on Saturday, May 20th but is believed to have committed a robbery at Walgreens located at 2420 East Baseline Road in Phoenix less than an hour later.

May 3rd, 2006, CVS, 10010 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ (8:40pm)

An unknown suspect entered the store and proceeded to the pharmacy. He displayed a small pistol and handed the pharmacist a note demanding OxyContin. After receiving the medication, the suspect fled the store through the front entrance.

The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a husky build. At the time of the robbery, the suspect was wearing a red t-shirt, jeans and a Saint Louis Cardinals baseball cap.

According to law enforcement agencies it is believed there could be at least three suspects working together. In previous robberies the suspects descriptions include:

The first suspect is described as a stocky Hispanic male in his mid 20's to early 30's with short black hair and a thin mustache. He is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall. The suspect has been known to use medical bandages as part of his disguise when entering a pharmacy. This suspect has worn a gold colored bracelet on his right wrist and metallic watch on his left wrist. This suspect is believed to be responsible for 29 robberies in the area.

The second suspect is described as a white male in his late 20's to early 30's with short dark hair. He is between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall, between 200-225 pounds. He has typically been seen wearing baseball caps with sports logos on the front. He is believed to have committed as many as 17 robberies in the area.

The third suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, between 235-250 pounds with a muscular build.

Surveillance photos are attached of all three suspects.

Anyone with information about any of the robberies above is asked to call Silent Witness at 1-800-343-TIPS. (1-800-343-8477).

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060530/NYTU093-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060530/NYTU093-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060530/NYTU093-c
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Purdue Pharma L.P.

CONTACT: Tami Lawlor, +1-561-963-4474

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