SAN DIEGO - Authorities announced a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of a thief who robbed a North Park drugstore, stealing bottles of OxyContin instead of cash.
The bandit, a heavyset man who appeared to be in his mid-40s, entered Walgreens in the 3200 block of University Avenue about 5:30 a.m. Thursday and bought a bottle of cough medicine before handing the pharmacist a note demanding the powerful pain pills, according to San Diego police.
During the robbery, the thief reached toward his waistband as if going for a gun. After the victim handed over an undisclosed amount of OxyContin, the crook left the store and walked out of the area to the east.
Matthew Williams is the co-founder of the San Diego Oxy Task Force. When he heard about Thursday's robbery, he immediately wanted to make sure this case receives special attention.
"What the public doesn't understand is OxyContin is basically heroin," Williams told San Diego 6. "The most concerning thing is that we now have 500 doses out there on the street."
Williams says OxyContin goes for as much as $80 a tablet on the streets.
26-year-old Derek Denega robbed the same Walgreens for OxyContin three separate times earlier this year. He pleaded guilty to the crimes and was sentenced to three years in prison.
John McMasters worries his neighborhood store has become a target. "This is about the third or fourth time I've heard. Somebody always comes in and robs it for OxyContin because, I guess, it's a high price on the street."
The robbery suspect is described as white or Hispanic and about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He had a "salt and pepper" beard and was wearing blue jeans, a black jacket with the letters "TRD" in red on the chest, black sneakers and a gray baseball cap with a black logo on the right-hand side.
Anyone with information on the robber's identity or whereabouts was asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers, which is offering the cash reward.
The nonprofit agency's tip service can be reached at (888) 580-8477. Callers may remain anonymous.
