Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week: Pharmacy burglary

Well before sunrise June 11, someone burglarized a pharmacy on West Frank Avenue in Lufkin and Crime Stoppers has video of two vehicles that investigators believe were involved.

The burglars gained entry into the pharmacy by prying open the rear door, which triggered the building’s alarm system and alerted law enforcement. Even though officers arrived within a few minutes, the criminals were able to enter the building and steal narcotics.  Hydrocodone, phenobarbital, alprazolam, and several varieties of hydrocodone- and codeine-based cough syrup were among the narcotics stolen.

"Hydrocodone is probably the most common thing we see out there right now," said Michael Kunyus, Mental Health Program Director at the Burke Center.

Evidence collected at the scene might allow investigators to prove the criminals’ involvement in the burglary but suspects need to be identified first and that is where anonymous Crime Stoppers Tips will help.

"It's not uncommon to see prescription drugs now on the streets just as you would marijuana, cocaine, or anything else, Kunyus said. 

Online at www.DETCS.tips and www.facebook.com/DETCS, you can view video of the suspect vehicles; one is gray, possibly a van or SUV, and the other is white, possibly a four-door car similar in size to a Chrysler 300. The gray vehicle circled the block several times while the burglary was occurring but was not captured by the camera again following the burglary; it might have served as a lookout. The white vehicle drove directly to the rear of the building, where the door was pried open.  Both vehicles fled the area soon after the alarm sounded.

If you can identify anyone involved in this burglary or provide information concerning the location of the stolen narcotics, call Deep East Texas Crime Stoppers at (936) 639-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.DETCS.tips. Crime Stoppers calls and tips are anonymous and Crime Stoppers may pay a reward if the information you provide leads to an arrest.