Police in Gloucester Township NJ are searching for a man accused of stealing prescription drugs from a local pharmacy.
The theft occurred around 9:40 a.m. at a Rite Aid pharmacy located on 1492 Chews Landing Road in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. The suspect, wearing a grey sweatshirt and a baseball cap, entered the store and held up the pharmacist at gunpoint. He then fled the store with stolen prescription medications.
A short time later, Rite Aid employees called Gloucester County Police Communications and notified authorities of the armed robbery.
The theft report prompted local law enforcement to lock down three schools located near the pharmacy. The schools included Glen Landing Middle School, Loring Flemming Elementary School, and the Mother Good Learning Center. During the lockdown, a police officer was posted in front of all three schools.
Gloucester Township police and the Camden County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit canvassed the area in search of the suspect. Police officers searched housing projects and wooded areas near the pharmacy, but were unable to find the suspect. It was eventually determined that the suspect had left the area before police got to the scene.
Roughly one hour after the robbery occurred, the schools were released from the lockouts.
Gloucester Township police are still actively investigating the theft. Police recently released a description of the suspect, who is described as a white male with a thin build and razor stubble.
If the suspect is eventually apprehended, he would be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, anyone who commits a theft while using a deadly weapon such as a handgun can be charged with a first degree felony. A conviction for first degree armed robbery could lead to a sentence of 10-20 years in NJ State Prison.
Investigators have asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect should contact the Gloucester County Police Department at 856-228-4500.
For additional information about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “Armed Robber Hits Rite Aid in Gloucester Township, Prompting School Lockout.”
