By Chris Sheppard
csheppard@abc6.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/abc6
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A 27 year-old Barrington man is in custody after police say he attempted to rob the pharmacy of a Rite-Aid for narcotic medications.
Police say around 3:50 p.m. Sunday, the man walked to the pharmacy end of the Rite-Aid at 1086 Willet Avenue in Riverside where he immediately demanded narcotics and hypodermic needles from the pharmacist.
When the pharmacist offered the man a prescription that was already being filled, the suspect grabbed the pills and needles and forced the pharmacist into the bathroom with him, according to police.
Police say the man panicked after cutting himself on the package of needles and tried to run out of the store. In the process, the robber lunged at a man who was standing in his way, but no one was hurt, including the pharmacist.
Two bystanders followed the robber out of the store, where he was arrested by Barrington Police, about 20 minutes after he walked into the store.
Shortly thereafter, police say, the man told police he had consumed an entire bottle of Oxycontin. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment, where he remains.
Police say the man is expected to survive, and that it is likely he was suffering from a substance-use disorder.
No weapon was displayed in the course of the attempted robbery.
Police say the quick response of Barrington Police was crucial in the man's apprehension. He will likely face an enhanced charge of second-degree robbery, under the "Crimes against Pharmacies" statute.
Police are not releasing the man's name until the conclusion of their investigation. He faces up to fifteen years in prison.
