Robbers steal prescription painkillers from South Sound pharmacy

Lacey police are searching for two men who stole prescription painkillers from a pharmacy and threatened employees.

"They knew exactly what they were doing. It looks like they scoped us out," said Sunil Gowda.

Gowda has owned Hawks Prairie Pharmacy in Lacey for six years.

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He's always felt safe, but he knew a robbery could happen, which is why he trained his employees. On Wednesday night, the preparation paid off.

"It was very surreal. I was like, 'Wow, it happened to us.' We always read and we always know it's happening in other places, but it's the first time it's happened to us," he said.

According to the Lacey Police Department, two masked men came into the pharmacy just before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The robbery suspects wore long sleeves and pants, had their hoods up, covered their faces with surgical masks, and had on gloves. The men hopped over the counter, implied they had a weapon, and demanded codeine and oxycodone.

"They're getting the medication that sells quickly and easily on the street, and that's the type of medication they targeted this time," said Detective Sgt. Jaime Newcomb, of the Lacey Police Department.

Detectives said this type of crime is very rare in Lacey.

The thieves were in and out of the pharmacy in less than a minute.

"It's something that's very frightening, especially when they're implying that they have a weapon and they're making threats to the employees. It's imperative we get them into custody as quickly as possible," said Newcomb.

Gowda's happy his workers are OK but angry thieves took the prescription pills and, more importantly, his employees' peace of mind.

"They're going to do it again. If they're not caught, they're going to do it again," he said.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Lacey Police Department at 360-459-4333.

Cox Media Group