Dec. 14, 2009
Dec 14, 2009, 6:07 AM | Updated: Jun 5, 2012, 4:22 am
PHOENIX – What started out as a couple of Oxycontin robberies at some local pharmacies has turned into a serial crime spree.
“The last six months, he has hit 12 times,” said Phoenix Police Detective Darren Burch.
“And he hits various stores with pharmacies inside the store. Walgreens, CVS, stand-alone pharmacies. But he also goes to Bashas’, Albertsons, Safeway.”
The suspect has hit nearly every corner of the Valley.
“He has hit Phoenix the most. He’s hit Phoenix six times. Peoria twice. Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale,” Burch said.
And the robberies are getting more dangerous.
“In the early phase of his crime wave, he would just go in and demand the Oxycontin and threaten the use of a weapon, but most recently, he’s been using a weapon and brandishing it,” said Burch.
“He hasn’t shot at anyone yet, but we do see some escalation and violence with this suspect.”
There’s no vehicle description because when the thief flees on foot.
“He’s slight, between 35-45 years of age,” said Burch. “He’s 170-180 pounds, 5 ft. 7 in. to 5 ft. 10 in. He has brown hair. It looks like it’s kind of combed back.”
There’s a $2,000 reward for information leading to this suspect’s arrest. People are encouraged to call (480) WITNESS.