Search for 'dangerous' and 'desperate' robber targeting pharmacies

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. - Police in Fayetteville are calling a man wanted for at least three separate drug store robberies dangerous and desperate.

Fayetteville police said he entered the Walgreens on N. Glynn Street last Friday just before 9 p.m. when the place was crowded with shoppers.

“That's him walking in right there," said Lt. Mike Whitlow as he pointed to surveillance video from Walgreens on his computer screen.

Whitlow said the brazen robber headed straight for the pharmacy. Police said surveillance video showed him either making a call or pretending to. But as soon as he hung up police said he demanded one of the pharmacist fill a bag with drugs. When that didn't happen the man jumped the counter. A few seconds later he and another pharmacist emerge on the other side. The video showed them struggling with the gunman reaching for her with the same hand he was holding a gun.

“It's really miraculous that she wasn't shot and that he didn't shoot himself because anybody that's trained to handle a firearm is not going to grab someone with that firearm in his hand,” said Lt. Whitlow.

Whitlow said the pharmacist who did not hand over the drugs is emotionally traumatized. Police said her screams likely scared off the intruder. The Walgreens employee was not injured during her frightful encounter with the gunman.

Customer Becky Crawford said she tried to get into the store last Friday, but found it closed after the robbery.

She had this advice for others who could encounter the dangerous robber.

“Give it to them, let them have it, take care of yourself, that's the most important thing, why fight them you're just going to get hurt,” said Becky Crawford.

Police said the same armed man did get away with drugs at another drug store robbery last week in Stockbridge.

“He was wearing the same outfit; basically everything went down pretty much the same way,” said Lt. Whitlow.

“I don't know if he's trying to sell it or possibly maybe use it. I’m not sure. He's definitely not afraid, definitely not scared,” said customer Nicole Miller.

The armed robber is also believed to have robbed a drug store in Peachtree City. Now Fayetteville police are comparing notes with other police agencies in metro Atlanta to determine how wide spread his crime spree may range.

“The fear is of course in time he gets more brazen each time and gets more careless each time. He's going to hurt somebody,” said Lt. Whitlow.

Police said each time he's robbed or attempted to rob a pharmacy the gunman has demanded the same drugs. But they did not release what drugs he is after.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Fayetteville Police Department.