Pharmacists see an increase in robberies

KANSAS CITY, Kansas - Mark Williams has been filling prescriptions in KCK for nearly 30 years. He has a regular group of good customers, but he’s also had his fair share of problems. His pharmacy has been robbed four times in the past. Most of the suspects are after the prescription drug Oxycontin.

“There are doctors and pain clinics out there to help these patients, but unfortunately some of them decide to pull a gun on you instead of pulling out a prescription. You can go through legitimate means to get this product,” said Williams.

Saturday morning, a man with a gun came into the store on Rainbow Boulevard. Williams said the suspect demanded prescription drugs, and then he locked two female pharmacy workers into a storage room.

“I just wish I was here. I just wished it didn’t happen to those two,” said Williams.

Stephanie Salzer was one of the women working during the robbery. She said the man was wearing a ski mask and seemed scared. The workers said the suspect’s hands were shaking as he pointed the gun at them.

“I think I said oh god, thinking oh god not again,” said Salzer.

The pharmacy was robbed another time in January 2010. The suspect demanded the same drug, but this time Williams pulled out a gun to scare the man away. The pharmacist is considering taking Oxycontin off the shelves.

“We will be reviewing a lot of things after this incident,” said Williams.

Kansas Board of Pharmacy leaders are warning pharmacists about the high demand for these prescription drugs. They have seen an increase in this crime since 2009. Some pharmacists across the state have already taken popular drugs off the shelves.