An Independence Township pharmacist served a tour in Vietnam without getting shot at. A store robber broke that record, Feb. 1.
The suspect, wearing a “Scream” mask and rust-colored hoodie, approached the 63-year-old pharmacist, placed a red bag on the counter, and demanded drugs.
Thinking it was a joke, the clerk refused, saying “I’m not giving you anything.”
The suspect pulled a black, 9mm pistol and fired a round into the counter, saying “I have five more and I’m not messing around.”
The pharmacist hit the floor and called 911 on his cell phone. The suspect, soon frustrated at the lack of response, fled.
Police recommend victims give up property when confronted by an armed robber, but this situation happened too quickly, said Lt. Dale LaBair, commander of the Independence Township substation.
“He just pulled it out and touched one off,” LaBair said.
Responding deputies secured the scene and a perimeter, calling in a tracking K-9 and police helicopter.
The deputies and K-9 were able to track to the west, then north, ending in the parking area of an unoccupied church on Clarkston Road, where it appeared the burglar got into a waiting vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
? Phil Custodio